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DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM IS 



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PRESIDENT 
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VICE-PRESIDENT 

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REAR-ADMIRAL C. H. DAVIS, U. S. N. 

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PUBLICATIONS 

OF THE 

NAVAL HISTORY SOCIETY 
Volume III 



THE DESPATCHES OF 
MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 






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THE DESPATCHES OF 

MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE AND 

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S 

SHIPS IN NORTH AMERICA 

JANUARY-JULY, I 776 



EDITED BY 

ROBERT WILDEN NEESER 



NEW YORK 

PRINTED FOR THE NAVAL HISTORY SOCIETY 

BY THE DEVINNE PRESS 

M DCCCC XIII 



1 1 71 
■ S6Z 



Copyright, 19 1 3, by 
The Naval History Society 



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'0)CI.AJ}43i6-3 



. CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 3, 1775 i 

Concerning his promotion to Rear Admiral of the White. 

Shuldham to Stephens, July 25, 1775 2 

Acknowledges order to proceed to Boston. 

Shuldham to Stephens, September i, 1775 3 

Fresh vegetables for his seamen. 

Shuldham to Stephens, September 27, 1775 5 

Concerning the need of more shipwrights and carpenters. 

Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Shuldham, 

September 29, 1775 6 

Orders to succeed Vice Admiral Graves in command of the 
North American Station. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 3, 1775 14 

Arrival at Portsmouth. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 6, 1775 15 

Detained by contrary winds. Asks for another flagship. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 7, 1775 17 

Still detained at Spithead. Regarding other matters. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 10, 1775 19 

Acknowledges order of September 29, 1775. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 10, 1775 19 

Represents unfitness of the Chatham for service in North 
America. 

Philips to Shuldham, October 15, 1775 21 

Communicates information from Pennsylvania. 



[ix: 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Philips TO Shuldh AM, October 15, 1775 22 

Instructions to protect ordnance and stores at Bermuda and 
Providence. 

Shuldham to Philips, October 16, 1775 23 

Acknowledges receipt of orders. 

Stephens TO Shuldham, October 17, 1775 24 

Increase in complements of 50-gun ships. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 18, 1775 25 

Getting under sail at Spithead. 

Stephens to Shuldham, October 23, 1775 26 

Transmits orders to burn and destroy armed vessels belong- 
ing to the Colonists. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, October 24, 1775 27 

Announces arrival in Plymouth Sound. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 29, 1775 28 

Has entered men from the guard-ships at Plymouth. 

Stephens to Shuldham, November 11, 1775 29 

Expedition under Sir Peter Parker to the Carolinas. 

Stephens TO Shuldham, November II, 1775 31 

Informing him of rebel vessels seeking gunpowder abroad. 

Jackson to Shuldham, January 4, 1776 32 

Advising him of a ship now on passage from L'Orient 
bound for the Colonies. 

Jackson to Shuldham, January 8, 1776 33 

Expedition to the Carolinas. Delay in assembling of vessels. 

Jackson TO Shuldham, January 8, 1776 35 

Sending copies of recent Acts and Proclamations of Parlia- 
ment. 

Jackson to Shuldham, January 9, 1776 36 

Impressment of men from army transports into naval 
service. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Shuldham to Stephens, January 15, 1776 37 

Arrival in Boston. Activities of rebel privateers. Urges 
arming of victuallers and storeships. 

Shuldham to Stephens, January 19, 1776 40 

Conditions at New York and Rhode Island. Intelligence 
from Philadelphia and Virginia. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, January 27, 1776 51 

Concerning difficulties of contractor for supplying the fleet 
w^ith fresh meat. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, January 28, 1776 54 

Has assumed command. Conditions on the station. Weak- 
ness of the garrison at Halifax. Scarcity of ordnance small 
stores. Additional intelligence from Rhode Island. 

Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Shuldham, 

January 29, 1776 62 

Size of complements of ships on the station to be increased. 

Jackson to Shuldham, February 23, 1776 63 

Orders placing transports on the station under his command. 

Shuldham to Stephens, February 25, 1776 64 

Conditions in the Province of Neve Hampshire. Rebel de- 
scent upon Island of St. Johns. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, February 26, 1776 76 

Scarcity of naval stores. Arrival of the Orpheus. Capture 
of tw^o prizes by the Savage. Renews recommendation that 
supplies be sent out only in armed vessels. Severity of block- 
ade duty. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, February 27, 1776 87 

Controversy with General Howe over supplies sent out by 
the Government. 

Jackson to Shuldham, February 29, 1776 103 

Acknowledges Shuldham's despatch of January 15. 

Jackson to Shuldham, February 29, 1776 104 

Acknowledges Shuldham's despatches of January 15, 27 and 
28, and their Lordships' answer thereto. 

Cxi] 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Stephens TO Shuldham, March 4, 1776 106 

Transmitting memorial of Chaleur and Gaspee fishermen 
praying for protection. 

Shuldham to Stephens, March 8, 1776 107 

Fortification of Dorchester Heights by the rebels. Dis- 
tressed situation of the army. Insufficiency of provisions. 
Preparations to evacuate Boston. State of affairs in New 
York and Rhode Island. Intelligence from Philadelphia. 
Conditions in Canada. Activities of the rebel privateers. 
Loss of the Friendship transport. 

Jackson to Shuldham, March 14, 1776 136 

Transmitting intelligence of vessels lately sailed from 
France. 

Jackson to Shuldham, March 14, 1776 136 

Same. 

Shuldham to Stephens, March 17, 1776 137 

Evacuation of Boston. Non-arrival of the victualling ships. 
Want of provisions. Observation squadron stationed in 
Nantasket Roads. 

Jackson to Shuldham, March 19, 1776 140 

Stores to be provided for the Fleet. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, March 23, 1776 141 

Departure of navy and army from Boston. Arrival of the 
victualler Princess Augusta with despatches. Capture of a 
rebel vessel. Conditions in Virginia. Apprehension of a 
rebel attack upon Halifax. Disposition of the vessels on the 
station. 

Jackson to Shuldham, March 27, 1776 . . . . . . 156 

Ordnance small stores for the use of the fleet. 

Shuldham to Stephens, March 27, 1776 157 

Acknowledges receipt of orders. 

Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to Shuldham, 

March 29, 1776 160 

Lord Viscount Howe to succeed Shuldham as Commander- 
in-Chief in North America. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Jackson to Shuldham, March 29, 1776 162 

Expedition under Sir Peter Parker sailed February 12. 
Convoy dispersed by bad weather. 

Jackson TO Shuldham, April I, 1776 163 

Informing him of a Philadelphia brig loading at Dunkirk. 

Jackson to Shuldham, April 3, 1776 164 

Three rebel ships at the Hague taking on board gunpowder. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 16, 1776 165 

Acknowledges receipt of despatches. Arrival of one vic- 
tualler. The others driven to Antigua and expected shortly. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 16, 1776 166 

Impossible to spare any of his cruisers for detached service. 
Some of the vessels very short of complements. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 16, 1776 168 

Arrival of the fleet and transports in Halifax Harbour. 
The Fowey and Glasgow ordered to the Delaware. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 17, 1776 169 

Need of stores and supplies. 

Stephens to Shuldham, April 18, 1776 170 

Informing him of storeships, victuallers, and transports sail- 
ing for America under convoy of the Ranger. Reinforce- 
ments intended for the army. Plan for provisioning the 
fleet to August, 1777. Activities of rebel merchants in trad- 
ing with European ports. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 18, 1776 i75 

Three transports and the Niger ordered to Quebec. 

Stephens to Shuldham, April 19, 1776 176 

Protection of the homeward-bound trade. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 19, 1776 i77 

The Glasgow's engagement with the rebel squadron under 
Esek Hopkins. Her shattered condition. Captain Wal- 
lace's account. Information concerning the rebel vessels. 

Cxiii] 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Howe TO Stephens, April 27, 1776 184 

Report of the Glasgow's engagement with the rebel 
squadron. 

Extract from the Glasgow's Log-Book, April 6, 1776 . . 186 

Shuldham TO Stephens, April 24, 1776 187 

Intelligence from Georgia. Account of the batteries at 
Charleston, S. C. Declaration of the masters of merchant 
vessels at Savannah, Ga. List of vessels liberated from the 
rebels at Savannah. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, April 24, 1776 196 

Appointments of officers. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 24, 1776 198 

Transmitting disposition of vessels of the fleet. Need of 
provisions. Ships now on two-thirds allowance. List of 
captures made. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 25, 1776 206 

Deficiency in complements of vessels. Alarming increase of 
Americans on board King's ships. 

Shuldham to Stephens, April 25, 1776 207 

Capture of a prize. Loss of the Bolton brig. 

Stephens to Shuldham, May 3, 1776 208 

Communicating their Lordships' approval of his operations. 
Stores to be sent out to America. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 10, 1776 210 

Scarcity of provisions and ordnance small stores. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 10, 1776 211 

The army still at Halifax aw^aiting provisions. Great im- 
portance of the yard and harbour at Halifax. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 12, 1776 213 

Acknowledges receipt of orders. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 12, 1776 217 

Receipt of despatches from England. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 20, 1776 218 

Arrival of some transports and victuallers off Cape Fear. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 20, 1776 219 

Arrival of the Greyhound's convoy at Halifax. Acknow- 
ledges receipt of orders. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 20, 1776 222 

Intelligence from New York. State of the fortifications 
there. Resolutions of the Continental Congress. Plan of 
the cheveaux-de-frize in the Delaware River. Captures 
made by the vessels of the fleet. 

Shuldham to Stephens, May 23, 1776 249 

Disposition of the vessels under his command. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, June 2, 1776 254 

Acknowledges receipt of orders and letters. 

Shuldham to Stephens, June 8, 1776 257 

Boat attack on American privateer. Condition of the 
Flora's convoy. 

Shuldham to Stephens, June 8, 1776 259 

Recommends appointment of officer to direct transports. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, July 6, 1776 263 

Disposition of the squadron under his command. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, July 6, 1776 268 

Appointments of officers. Attack upon the Roebuck and 
Liverpool in the Delaware River. 

Shuldham TO Stephens, July 8, 1776 272 

Arrival of the fleet in New York Harbour. Landing of the 
troops on Staten Island. Disposition of the squadron. Cap- 
ture of four transports with troops by the Americans. For- 
wards journal of the American vessel Andrew Doria. 

Shuldham to Stephens, July 24, 1776 306 

Omission of Commissioner Arbuthnot to deliver despatches 
to Lord Howe. 

cxv: 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Stephens TO Shuldham, July 25, 1776 . . . . . . 309 

Directs him to return to England in the fall. 

Shuldham to Stephens, October 29, 1776 310 

Acknowledges their Lordships' letter of July 25th. 

Shuldham to Stephens, February 23, 1777 311 

Reports arrival at Spithead. 



[xvi] 



ILLUSTRATION 

First page of the Log of the Andrew Doria 
Frontispiece 



Cxvii^ 



INTRODUCTION 

The principal facts about the exploits of the American 
navy during the first few years of the Revolutionary 
War are sufficiently well known to modern readers. 
Our early historians of that important period have left 
us many interesting details of the navy's activities and 
of the remarkable successes of the countless vessels that, 
fitted out in private ventures, scoured the seas to the very 
ports and shores of the mother country. Based upon 
these old, contemporary narratives, more modern ac- 
counts have since been written, but all, alike, by con- 
fining themselves to what may almost be called the 
traditional sources,— sources that concerned only the 
American point of view, — necessarily made an under- 
standing of the conditions of that struggle upon the sea 
partial and imperfect. 

The various papers and documents which fill this 
volume are, therefore, meant as an essential comple- 
ment to the materials which heretofore have been avail- 
able to the historians of our Revolutionary War. They 
reveal to us, forcibly at times, the character of the naval 
operations as viewed by the British sailor engaged in the 
disagreeable task of coercion; the situation in the re- 
volting colonies ; the conditions attending the blockade 
of the extensive coast-line of continental America; the 
hardships endured by the ships' companies; the difficul- 
ties under which the commanders struggled; and the 
extent to which their activities were hampered by the 
almost continued lack of food and supplies. 

Cxix] 



INTRODUCTION 

The documents included in the present volume are 
drawn mostly from the series of "Admirals' Des- 
patches" in the Public Record Office in London, Eng- 
land, transcripts of which were a few years ago acquired 
by the Manuscripts Division of the Library of Con- 
gress. Others are taken from the "Secret Letters" and 
the "Secretary's Letters to Commanding Officers" and 
the "Orders and Instructions"; and in some cases the 
"Captains' Logs" and "Captains' Letters" have been 
consulted and used. 

Besides these there is also included a document which 
the student of United States naval history may find of 
greater interest than all others contained in these pages. 
It is the log-book of the 14-gun brig "Andrew Doria," 
one of the most successful cruisers that sailed under the 
Rattlesnake Flag and among the first of the "Conti- 
nental" vessels to put to sea after the regular organiza- 
tion of the navy. This "Journal" was kept by James 
Josiah, her first lieutenant, who later was captured 
while in charge of one of her prizes.^ The record in 
this way fell into the hands of the British admiral, by 
whom it was promptly forwarded to London as being 
of especial interest. The period covered in its twenty- 
eight pages is from January 4, 1776, the day the first 
American squadron under Commodore Esek Hopkins 
sailed from Philadelphia, to June 11 in the same year, 
when H.M.S. "Cerberus" fell in with the little cruiser 
and her valuable captures. It is among the earliest 
records of our own navy, and without doubt the first 
log-book of an American public armed vessel. 

From the very moment that hostilities began between 

1 American Archives, Ser. 5, Vol. I, p. 659; Rhode Island Histori- 
cal Magazine, October, 1885. 

Cxx] 



INTRODUCTION 

Great Britain and her American colonies, the fact be- 
came evident to the British authorities that the control 
of the sea would have a preponderant effect upon the 
contest. It was clear to reason, for the thousand miles 
of sea-coast, with its many interior navigable water- 
courses, presented a military advantage scarcely to be 
found in the indifferent communications of the unim- 
proved wilderness on shore. In fact, it was the opinion 
of military men in the mother country— among others, 
of the Secretary at War, Lord Barrington^— that the 
operations should be entirely naval. Occupy the prin- 
cipal ports, cut off the coastwise trade, and make occa- 
sional predatory excursions inland, they urged. Any 
other plan would be doomed to failure.^ To attempt 
to conquer America by a land war, declared General 
Harvey, one of the military chiefs of the kingdom, was 
as wild an idea as ever controverted common sense. 
America, he wrote, was "an ugly job," and the army, 
if it attempted the impossible, would be destroyed by 
"damned driblets."^ 

When the strength of the British navy, which then 
had no enemy in Europe to oppose, is considered, one 
would think that such a suggestion might have found 
favor with the ministry. But they had other plans in 
view, and, blind to the real conditions, set about putting 
their own ideas into execution. Parliament opened on 
the last day of November, 1774, and the King's speech 
took note of the resistance to the law which prevailed 
in Massachusetts. But the colonists were generally 

1 Life of William Wildman, Viscount Barrington, pp. 140-152. 

2 Fortescue: History of the British Army, III, 167. 

3 General Harvey to General Irwin, June 30, 1775; quoted In 
Fortescue, III, 167. 

Cxxi;] 



INTRODUCTION 

despised among the military men at home, and were 
looked upon as cowards by those high in office. Lord 
Sandwich, of the Admiralty, averred that their conduct 
in a previous war had been represented to him "as in 
the highest degree dastardly," and that he would an- 
swer for it that they "will bluster and swell when dan- 
ger is at a distance, but when it comes near will, like all 
other mobs, throw down their arms and run away."^ 
And this was an article of the ministerial creed which 
no one ventured to dispute.^ 

In the course of the summer of 1775, however, the 
British government gradually opened its eyes to the fact 
that a war, and a serious war, was actually staring it in 
the face. The coercive acts, of which so much had been 
expected, had proved a complete failure, from the ab- 
sence of sufficient means to enforce them, and, more ter- 
rifying still, the unpromising crisis had revealed the 
weakened state into which the armed forces of the 
kingdom had been suffered to decline. The number of 
ships in the navy since 1770, and the number of seamen, 
had been let down to a figure dangerously low even for 
times of peace; the machinery to cope with the inevita- 
ble wastage of war did not exist even on paper; while 
the lax and corrupt administration of Lord Sandwich^ 
at the Admiralty rotted the dockyards and demoralized 
the personnel.^ In materiel and numbers the fleet was 

^ Channing: A History of the United States, III, 172. 

2 Trevelyan : The American Revolution, I, 339. 

^ For further particulars see the Parliamentary History ; the An- 
nual Register; Diet. Nat. Biog., XXIV, 143; Hannay's Short His- 
tory of the Royal Navy, II, 207 fF. ; and Trevelyan's George III, and 
Charles Fox, I, 105-111. 

^ Contemporary observers noted that party spirit, increasing since 
1765, was at its height between 1770 and 1782 — "a fact unfortunate 

Cxxii] 



INTRODUCTION 

inadequate even for the task of 1775. As late as De- 
cember, 1774, the establishment of seamen had been 
reduced from twenty thousand to sixteen thousand, 
while the army was left at its old number, and in the 
spring of 1775 was increased only by a paltry four thou- 
sand.^ In vain the King pleaded for troops. Not until 
August was an increase authorized by Parliament, and 
then it was found easier to vote the money and the num- 
ber required than to find the men.^ 

The naval force at the disposal of the admirals com- 
manding on the North American Station, who, until 
Lord Howe took up the command on July 12, 1776, 
were John Montagu, Samuel Graves, and Molyneux 
Shuldham, was always insufficient to patrol effectively 
the long seaboard (see pp. 38, 68, ']']^ 152-155, 167, 
212). Most of the vessels available were necessarily 
limited to aiding the army at Boston, to seeking stores 
for the troops (see p. 167), and to supplying the naval 
brigade, while the rest were endeavoring to overawe 
hundreds of miles of sea-coast swarming with active 
seamen who were thrown out of employment by the 
interruption of trade.^ It was perhaps the most ungra- 
cious duty that ever has fallen to the lot of a naval offi- 
cer, embarrassed, besides, by the want of exact instruc- 
tions. For a long time, the only addition to their 
instructions, beyond those usual in times of peace, was 

for the naval power of England," as Captain Mahan aptly remarks, 
for, with the notable exception of Rodney, almost all of the distin- 
guished admirals of the time were Whigs. 
^ Fortescue, III, 170. 

2 It was calculated that the revolt of the colonies had deprived Eng- 
land of at least eighteen thousand seamen. (The Annual Register, 
1778, p. 201.) 

3 Cal. of Home Office Papers, 1 773-1 775, pp. viii, xviii. 

Cxxiii] 



INTRODUCTION 

an order to carry out the provisions of the Boston Port 
Bill (see p. lo), and that it was impossible to do with- 
out a due number of small craft, well manned and 
armed — craft such as were not to be found on the sta- 
tion (see p. 1 14) . It is not to be wondered at, then, that 
during the first few years the insurrection continued to 
gather strength, or that an incompetent ministry at 
home should make the commanders responsible for the 
hopeless state of affairs. The tactlessness of Montagu 
in fretting the colonists during the earlier stages of the 
quarrel, and the helplessness of Graves when the fight- 
ing actually began, have been advanced as contributing 
causes of the loss of Boston,^ but no charge was ever 
made against them, nor were they directly blamed. 
They were guilty, however, of not succeeding under 
circumstances where success was impossible, and each 
was in turn superseded in command. 

Admiral Molyneux Shuldham was born about 1717, 
and was the son of Rev. Samuel Shuldham. The boy 
entered the navy in 1732, and saw his first service with 
Captain George Forbes, afterwards Earl of Granard, 
as captain's servant on board the "Cornwall." Later he 
served in the "Solebay" and for nearly four years in the 
"Falkland." In 1738-1739, when "near twenty-two," 
he passed his examination, and on August 31, 1739, was 
promoted to be lieutenant of the "Tilbury," one of the 
ships which went out to the West Indies with Sir 
Chaloner Ogle, and was present at the unsuccessful 
attack on Cartagena in 1741. His first independent com- 
mand was in the "Sheerness" frigate (May 12, 1746), 
and he was successively in command of the "Queens- 
borough," "Unicorn," and "Seaford." In March, 1755, 
1 Trevelyan's American Revolution, I, 340. 
Cxxiv] 



INTRODUCTION 

he sailed for the West Indies in the "Warwick," of 60 
guns, but near Martinique fell in with a French 74-gun 
ship and two frigates, from which he was unable to 
escape. After two years' imprisonment at Poitiers, he 
was finally exchanged, and immediately ordered to join 
Commodore Moore in the West Indies, where he took 
part in the reduction of Guadeloupe and its dependent 
islands (March-May, 1759). The year 1766 found 
him at Plymouth, on board the "Cornwall" guardship, 
and in 1770 his orders assigned him to the "Royal Oak." 
Then, in February, 1772, came his first chief command, 
when he was assigned to the Newfoundland Station, an 
office which he held for three years. On March 31, 
1775, he was promoted to be Rear-Admiral of the 
White (see p. i). In the following autumn, at the 
general election, he was returned to the House of Com- 
mons as member for Fowey, but soon after he was again 
ordered to sea, and on September 29 directed to proceed 
to Boston as commander-in-chief of the North Ameri- 
can Station (see p. 6). 

The instructions issued from the Admiralty to Shuld- 
ham on September 29 (see p. 6) were those already for- 
warded to his predecessor, and embodied such direc- 
tions for drastic measures as the government thought 
necessary to bring the insurgent colonists to terms. On 
the 3d of October the admiral hoisted his flag on the 
"Chatham" and reported his readiness to sail (see p. 
14), but the wind was unfavorable, and three days later 
he was still at Spithead, storm-bound. The delay, how- 
ever, gave him the opportunity of unburdening his feel- 
ings at the manner in which his flag-ship had been fitted 
out. His apartment, he wrote, was unfit for an officer 
of his rank, owing to "the false and ill judg'd Oecon- 

Cxxv] 



INTRODUCTION 

omy, which prevails in our Dock Yards," while his ship 
was so old and inconvenient that he dreaded the thought 
of her being his constant residence (see pp. 15, 19). 
But none other was to be had, and he had to submit with 
the best grace possible, and take advantage of the first 
fair wind to start on his way westward (see pp. 25, 27) . 

It was two months, however, before the "Chatham" 
beat up Boston Harbor. A constant succession of storms 
and contrary winds baffled her every effort to shorten 
the passage, and when, on December 30, she finally 
anchored off the beleaguered town, she was so severely 
battered that it was weeks before she again was reported 
fit for sea (see p. 37). We can imagine the feelings of 
Admiral Graves on seeing his successor arrive; surely 
the disappointment at not having accomplished more 
must have been compensated by the feeling of joy at 
being able at last to turn over his ungracious duty to 
another. For the victory of Bunker Hill had made no 
change in the position of General Gage's army, which 
suffered greatly from the want of wholesome food and 
from other privations. All marketing from the country 
was at an end, as the town was closely invested on every 
side and the islands were cleared of their crops and 
live-stock; no fresh meat was to be had, and the unfor- 
tunate soldiery fasted alternately on salt beef and salt 
pork. It was a situation difficult to believe possible : the 
army of the world's greatest sea-power, strongly en- 
trenched in a seaport town, yet faring no better than 
sailors on an ill-found merchantman towards the close 
of a long voyage. 

When the condition of the besieged garrison became 
known to the ministry, every effort was made to supply 
their wants by profuse expenditure. Five thousand 

CxxviJ 



INTRODUCTION 

oxen, fourteen thousand sheep, and a huge consignment 
of hogs were purchased and sent out alive; fresh vege- 
tables of all kinds were cured by a special process; five 
thousand "chaldrons" of coal were shipped, with the 
very fagots necessary to kindle them; while oats, beans, 
and hay for the horses, and nearly half a million of 
money, were added to provide for every contingency. 
"The immense charge of supplying an army at such a 
distance, was now for the first time experimentally 
felt"^ (see pp. 87-102, 170, 174, 209) . But the transports 
sailed too late in the season ; contrary winds kept them 
long on the very coasts of England; the preserved vege- 
tables fermented and had to be thrown overboard; and 
the vessels were storm-tossed until the greater part of 
their live cargo perished (see p. 39). Such of the 
victuallers as neared their destination found themselves 
beating vainly against the periodical winds; others 
were driven towards the West Indies (see pp. 159, 165, 
169) ; while those that survived as likely as not found 
themselves face to face with the guns of a hostile navy 
the first intimation of whose existence was a shot fired 
across their bows (see p. 112). In fact, such was their 
distress that Shuldham repeatedly besought the Ad- 
miralty to send no further stores or supplies except in 
armed vessels of sufficient force to resist capture by the 
American privateers which now swarmed the seas and 
hovered like birds of prey about every avenue of ap- 
proach (seepp. 38, 77, 257). 

Nor was this his only cause for alarm. From Phila- 
delphia came the intelligence that the Continental Con- 
gress had authorized the construction of thirteen frig- 
ates, and that a number of armed vessels were actually 
^ The Annual Register for 1776, p. 51. 
[xxvii] 



INTRODUCTION 

fitting out for service on the southern coast (see p. 60)/ 
Not long before, eight small vessels had been despatched 
by Washington to the waters of the St. Lawrence River 
(see p. 41),^ and every effort was now to be made to 
drive the King's blockaders off the coast. Already one 
daring attempt had been made to destroy a man-of-war 
by the enterprising Bushnell, and it was unhesitatingly 
predicted that not many weeks would elapse before 
"you may expect to see the ships in smoke" (see p. 41). 
Yet what was the admiral to do? What few ships he 
had were scarcely sufficient to guard the port of Boston 
and perform the services already required of them. He 
was almost distracted by the frequent appeals for assis- 
tance and protection that came to him from every part 
of his station and from the West Indies.^ A serious in- 
cursion had already been made upon the island of St. 
Johns (see p. 69) ; from Quebec came intelligence of the 
most alarming nature (see pp. 145, 148) ; the naval 
depot at Halifax was without men or defences and 
utterly helpless to withstand attack (see pp. 57, 145) ; 
Lord Dunmore was reported in dire straits in Virginia 
(see p. 43) ; and the Province of New Hampshire had 
broken out in open revolt and her governor was a fugi- 
tive from his residence in the colony (see p. 64). But 
what was infinitely more serious, the Americans were 
enjoying so flourishing a trade along the eastern coast 
that every ship brought supplies of much-needed war 
material and precious gunpowder from the West Indies 
and from the different ports of Europe, where they 
found themselves only too readily served (see pp. 31, 
32,72,74, 136, 163). 

1 Field's Esek Hopkins, pp. 82 ff. 

2 Paullin's The Navy of the American Revolution, pp. 64-66. 

^ See Winsor's Narr. and Crit. Hist, of America, Vol. VI, p. 565. 

Cxxviii] 



INTRODUCTION 

In the meantime the army remained inactive, block- 
aded in Boston, distressed by cold, and in want of every- 
thing (see p. 107).^ Week after week, month after 
month, passed by without any improvement in the situ- 
ation. General Howe, however, was contemplating the 
withdrawal of his forces. As early as July, 1775, such 
a step had been urged upon the ministry by his prede- 
cessor in command. Three months later Howe had 
been informed that he might concentrate his army at 
some more advantageous base for future operations, and 
he now proceeded to choose his own moment for the 
step which he had so long delayed.^ 

But that was not to be. On the evening of the 4th of 
March, Washington decided to take the offensive. 
Dorchester Heights were occupied overnight, and when 
the British army awoke from its slumbers two works 
were already in existence and in a condition to protect 
their defenders from bombardment and assault. Over 
twelve thousand men, declared the astonished Shuld- 
ham, must have been employed on the fortifications to 
have completed them in so short a time; and Howe is 
said to have remarked that his entire army could not 
have done as much in a month. But the forts were 
there and the only alternative was to drive the Ameri- 
cans out of their advanced and commanding position. 
Two thousand troops were embarked and held in readi- 
ness to make the attack at dusk. But by that time it was 

^ Only a few days previous to the evacuation, the army was so " very 
distress'd" for want of provisions, that Shuldham had to furnish a 
month's supply out of the naval stores, as otherwise the troops could 
not have subsisted for more than fourteen days longer, "and except a 
Supply arrives very speedily for both services," urged the admiral in 
alarm, "the consequences must be fatal" (see pp. 107, 137). 

2 Fortescue, III, 169. 

[xxix] 



INTRODUCTION 

too late. The wind blew a gale. The boats could not 
be rowed across the bay in such weather. All through 
the afternoon and night of the day following the storm 
raged, and by the time that it grew calm again it was 
evident that no force could possibly drive the Ameri- 
cans out of their redoubts. Their guns commanded the 
southeastern side of the town and every anchorage in the 
harbor. The situation was dangerous in the extreme, 
and Howe had no alternative but to evacuate at once. 
Ten days elapsed, however, before the embarkation 
could be completed (see pp. 107, 137, 141). In the 
meantime Washington kept up an almost continuous 
cannonade, and, as a significant hint that the patience 
of the besiegers was becoming exhausted, fortified 
Nook's Hill, a mile nearer to Boston than Dorchester 
Heights. That was the notice to leave. The intimation 
was given on the i6th of March; on the 17th General 
Howe embarked his army, and Shuldham, with his 
men-of-war, accompanied by a fleet of transports,^ 
dropped down to Nantasket Roads, and a few days later 
sailed for Halifax, where Howe hoped soon to receive 
the reinforcements which would enable him to strike at 
New York. 

Then began an uninterrupted harvest for the Ameri- 
can privateers. They made an easy prey of the victual- 
lers and transports which were bringing the precious 
supplies and the very reinforcements for which Howe 
was waiting. When the belated, storm-tossed vessels at 

1 Nearly eighty armed vessels and transports were required to carry 
away the army and its followers, while the large number of other ves- 
sels, laden with stores and merchandise, accompanying the fleet, in- 
creased the total to one hundred and seventy sail in all. (Winsor: 
Narr. and Crit. Hist, of America, Vol. VI, p. 158.) 

[xxx] 



INTRODUCTION 

last reached the waters of New England, the royal 
forces had gone for good, and the entire sea-coast was 
alive with cruisers which swarmed about as if the 
squadron which Shuldham had left in Nantasket Roads 
to see them safely to Halifax had never existed. A 
number of transports were captured^— two of them by 
one of the Continental armed vessels, the "Andrew 
Doria"^ (see pp. 273, 301), an occurrence which an- 
noyed the British to such an extent that when one of her 
officers was captured on board a prize with his journal of 
her cruise in his possession, the document was promptly 
forwarded to their lordships at the Admiralty as evi- 
dence of the activities of the rebels, and "in justice" to 
some of the officers of the Royal Navy (see p. 273) . 

Bad as it was, that was not the worst of the story. At 
the very moment when Howe and Shuldham needed 
every possible reinforcement that could be sent to them 
from home, the King and his ministers suffered them- 
selves to be persuaded to send an expedition to the 
Southern provinces in order to rally the loyalists of that 
section and wrench the country from radical control.^ 
General Clinton, under express orders from home, 
started for the Carolinas in December with a detach- 
ment withdrawn from the already inadequate army in 

1 Emmons' The Navy of the United States, pp. 133, 149; Cooper's 
History of the Navy, I, 87, 88. 

2 It is said of this cruiser that she made prizes of so many mer- 
chantmen that w^hen she got back into the Delaware but five of the 
sailors w^ho composed her original crew were in her, the rest having 
been put in the prizes and their places supplied by volunteers from 
among the prisoners. 

^ The Admiralty's despatch, dated November 11, 1775, apprising 
Shuldham of the preparation of this expedition did not reach him 
until the latter part of March, 1776 (see pp. 29, 33, 157). 

Cxxxi] 



INTRODUCTION 

New England. But the expedition was long in prepar- 
ing (see p. 162) ; it did not leave Cork till the 12th of 
February; the vessels encountered heavy weather; none 
arrived at Cape Fear before the first week in May, and 
some even later. Meantime the loyalist Scots had been 
stirred up to take arms, but the royal forces failed to 
appear at the appointed time, and the luckless men, 
unsupported, were easily intercepted and utterly routed. 
Then, just five months too late. Sir Peter Parker ap- 
peared on the scene with his heavy ships and frigates. 
A junction with Clinton was at last effected, but the 
combined force was all too feeble for independent ac- 
tion. A half-hearted attempt was made upon the out- 
works guarding Charleston Harbor, but the affair 
resulted only in a useless bombardment, and the ill- 
considered expedition ended in nothing short of a 
calamity for the commodore and his vessels. 

In the meantime the army lay helpless at Halifax, 
awaiting the provision-ships which by this time were so 
belated as to make Howe tremble for the very subsis- 
tence of his troops (see p. 187). "Nothing to eat; less 
to drink," wrote a British officer on the 17th of March,^ 
and there is no doubt that starvation would have stared 
them in the face had not Shuldham put his crews on 
two-thirds allowance in order to share what little he 
had with the famished soldiers (see p. 198) . It was sad 
work at best. But the tragedy of the whole story was 
that from nowhere came good news to cheer up the 
forces in their "present desperate insignificancy."^ 
None of the detached squadrons had been able to main- 
tain their stations uninterruptedly or perform the ser- 
vices which had been expected of them. At New York, 

1 Trevelyan, I, 383. 2 //,/^. 

[xxxii;] 



INTRODUCTION 

Captain Parker had been obliged early to retire from 
before the town, and to anchor his three unseaworthy 
vessels ofif the Narrows. With the withdrawal of the 
King's army from New England, all chances of "un- 
interrupted success" in the province vanished. The 
town became the headquarters of the American forces, 
which poured in from all sides, and cut ofif supplies of 
fresh provisions from Parker's ships. The colonists 
even had the temerity to fit out privateers along the 
waterfront, and to begin the construction of two frigates 
at Poughkeepsie; and on one occasion they actually 
captured, within sight of Sandy Hook, a storeship 
carrying coals, porter, etc., to the British army (see pp. 
109-115, 223-229). 

Nor was the situation more hopeful further south. 
Captain Hamond, who there had two ships and a sloop, 
"ill-manned^ and sickly," under his command, had 
promised to do his utmost to execute his orders, but he 

^ That the vessels of the British navy were not maintained in the 
most efficient state is revealed in the correspondence of the naval offi- 
cers on the station. " I am very much distressed for Petty officers, as 
vi^ell as Warrants," wrote Captain Price, commanding the Viper sloop, 
in 1775. "My Carpenter infirm and past duty, my Gunner made 
from a livery servant, neither seaman nor gunner ; my Master a man 
in years, never an officer before, made from a boy on board one of the 
guardships, he then keeping a public house at Gosport. Petty Officers 
I have but one, who owns himself mad at times. A Master's Mate I 
have not, nor anyone I can make a Boatswain's mate. I have not one 
person I could trust with the charge of a vessel I might take to bring 
her in." (Hannay's Short History of the Royal Navy, II, 215, 216.) 
In fact, so short-handed had the ships become a year later, that their 
commanders had no choice but to enter Americans taken out of 
"rebel" prizes in order to fill up their complements — a situation which 
Shuldham contemplated with alarm, in view of the constant diminu- 
tion of British seamen on the muster-rolls of his fleet (see p. 206). 

[xxxiii] 



INTRODUCTION 

had to confess that the Delaware had become rather 
formidable and that he hardly expected to accomplish 
anything without a much larger force. One of his ves- 
sels had to remain constantly at Norfolk to give protec- 
tion to the governor; no fewer than two could properly 
guard the Chesapeake; while along the Delaware River 
such extensive fortifications had been erected by the 
rebels that he despaired of ever checking their activities 
without the cooperation of at least two or three hundred 
troops (see p. 143). 

The very day that Hamond penned this letter a frig- 
ate was on her way to join his feeble force. She was 
the "Glasgow," of twenty guns, commanded by Captain 
Tyringham Howe, and bore important despatches from 
the commander-in-chief (see p. 169). But she never 
reached her destination. Shortly after leaving Rhode 
Island, on the morning of the 6th of April, she fell in 
with the American squadron under Esek Hopkins,^ 
which was returning from its successful descent upon 
New Providence Island, and was so badly cut up that 
she could not be properly refitted at Halifax, and 
Shuldham was consequently obliged to order her to 
England as soon as temporary repairs had been effected 
(see pp. 177-186, 287). 

By this time the spring was far advanced, and no 
change had come in the situation of the forces at Hali- 
fax, except that an occasional convoy managed to reach 
that haven of refuge (see pp. 211, 219), Reinforce- 
ments, however, were on their way from home. Of 
that fact assurances had already been received. But 
General Howe, in his impatience, suddenly decided to 
sail without them. He had been desperately uncom- 
^ Field's Esek Hopkins, pp. 120 ff. 
[xxxiv] 



INTRODUCTION 

fortable at Halifax, — that nook of penury and cold,^ — 
and it is no wonder that he took advantage of the first 
fair wind to shape his course for the entrance of New 
York Harbor. On the way he picked up several trans- 
ports with Highland troops on board, that had not been 
intercepted by American privateers, and with this small 
but welcome increase in his depleted force, he effected 
a landing on July 3d on Staten Island (see p. 272), to 
the great joy of Governor Tryon, w^ho, for the past 
twelvemonth, had been vainly attempting to administer 
his province from the deck of a man-of-war at anchor 
ofjf Sandy Hook. Nine days later the long expected 
reinforcements arrived from England. On that day a 
ship-of-war, flying the St. George's flag at the fore, 
sailed up the lower bay and was greeted with a general 
salute from all the royal vessels which lay in the harbor. 
Admiral Lord Howe had arrived, and Shuldham's 
tenure of the command of the King's naval forces in 
American waters had come to an end. For several 
months longer he remained on the coast, as a subordi- 
nate to the new commander-in-chief, when he was 
finally ordered home (see p. 312), having been in 
American waters a little over ten months. 

As to the method pursued in this volume, a word may 
be said here. The arrangement of the documents is 
necessarily arbitrary, being chronological, except in the 
case of enclosures, which are invariably placed with the 
despatches with which they belong. Though not wholly 
satisfactory, this has seemed the simplest and most logi- 
cal system of arranging the papers. It should be borne 
in mind, however, that the letters never reached those 
for whom they were intended until a considerable period 
1 Burke to Rockingham, May 4, 1776. 

[xxxv;] 



INTRODUCTION 

after they were penned. Thus (p. 156) we have the Sec- 
retary to the Admiralty Board writing to Shuldham on 
March 27, 1776; and on p. 157 we find the Admiral 
(Shuldham) writing to their lordships on the same 
date, that he had had no communication from them 
since a previous letter of January 16. The fact is, of 
course, that the reader sees these letters chronologically, 
and earlier than they reached either Shuldham or the 
Admiralty; but any attempt to arrange the papers in the 
order in which they reached and influenced their recipi- 
ents would have led to endless difficulties and confu- 
sion. 

In concluding, the editor desires most gratefully to 
acknowledge his obligation to the Lords of the Ad- 
miralty for permitting him to have access to these 
records in London; to Mr. Gaillard Hunt, of the 
Manuscripts Division of the Library of Congress, for 
allowing the library's transcripts of the "Admirals' 
Despatches" to be made use of; and to Mr. Frank J. 
Klingberg for his assistance in calendering the records 
previous to their being copied. 

But the editor's thanks are particularly due to Pro- 
fessor Charles M. Andrews, of Yale University, for his 
interest and generous assistance in discovering for him 
and securing transcripts of the more important of the 
"Out-Letters" and "Secret Orders"; and to Professor 
Wilbur C. Abbott, of Yale University, from whose sug- 
gestions the idea of this work sprang. 



[xxxviU 



THE DESPATCHES OF 
MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



THE DESPATCHES OF 
MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Craven Street 3d. April 1775.— 
Sir, 

I am to acknowledge the favor of your Letter of the 
I St. Instant informing me that, His Majesty having 
been pleased to Order a Promotion of Flag Officers of 
His Fleet, my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 
had in consequence thereof, signed a Commission ap- 
pointing me Rear Admiral of the White, for which in- 
formation I return you thanks. I am, 

Sir, 

Your most Obedient 

humble Servant 
M. SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr.^ 

Endorsed Read 

^ Secretary of the Admiralty from 1763 to 1795, when he resigned 
his office and, as baronet, was appointed one of the Lords of the 
Admiralty. 



Ci 1 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Craven Street 25th. July 1775 
Sir 

I have receiv'd their Lordships Order of the 19th. 
Inst. Directing me to repair to Portsmouth, & hoisting 
my Flag On bd. His Majs. Ship Chatham at that Port, 
hold myself in readiness to proceed to Boston; & as that 
Ship is now under repair, & will not be ready to proceed 
for some time, I beg the favour you will Signifye my 
request to their Lordships that they will please to in- 
dulge me with leave to continue in town to settle my 
private affairs till the said Ship is near ready for Sea. 
I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. 
Servt. 
M : SHULDHAM 

Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Minute 25 July | to be comply'd | with 



L^l 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Craven Street ist. Septemr. 1775— 
Sir, 

As I have received Orders to hold myself in readiness 
to proceed on a Command to North America, I beg 
leave to represent to you, for their Lordships informa- 
tion, that in my Opinion it will contribute much to the 
preservation of the Health of the Seamen Employ'd in 
that Country (where we shall be cut off from all Sup- 
plys of Vegetables from the Provinces that are in 
Arms) if they would please to give Orders for a Vessel 
to be sent, from time to time, either from this King- 
dom or Ireland with Potatoes & Carrots & Parsnips & 
Onions, which will keep good for many Months, espe- 
cially if She can be dispatched so as to arrive at Boston 
before the Frost sets in, which seldom happens 'till after 
Christmas; and while I am writing upon this subject 
may I be permitted to add, that it would be greatly in- 
strumental in answering the above purpose, if a small 
Vessel of 80 or 100 Tons, was to Sail from Lisbon or 
Oporto with Onions, Oranges, Lemons, &ca. by the End 
of October, and another of the same size by the End 
of February; as I presume the Commander in Chief 
will (if he is not already) be Authorized to send a small 
Vessel at proper Seasons to the Bahama Islands for 
Turtle, Oranges, Chaddocks, Limes &ca., the want of 
the usual and necessary refreshments will by these 

1:33 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

means be in a great measure supplied, and the Health 
of the Seamen preserved. I am, Sir, 

Your most Obdt. humble Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Php. Stephens Esqr. 

Minute A Memorandum | from the Victuallg. Board | 
dated 22d. Septemr. 1775. 



[4] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Craven Street 27th. Septemr. 1775 — 
Sir, 

Captain Raynor of His Majesty's Ship Chatham hav- 
ing acquainted me, that by taking On board a Flat Bot- 
tom Boat in consequence of their Lordships Order, he 
shall be obliged to leave Two of the Establish'd number 
of Boats allowed to the Ship, at Portsmouth, I beg the 
ffavour you will signifye my request to their Lordships, 
that they will please to cause the said Two Boats to be 
sent out to the Chatham by the first proper Conveyance. 
I profit of this opportunity to represent to you, Sir, 
that I apprehend there will be a very Extraordinary 
Jnumber of Ship wrights and Carpenters wanted for the 
Service in North America, where I am to Command, 
which I submit to their Lordships consideration to take 
such measures as they shall think proper to provide 
them. 

I am, 

Sir, 
Your very humble Servant, 
M. SHULDHAM 
Php. Stephens Esqr. 

Minute 29 Sepr. 

f directns. to the | Navy Bd. ac | cordingly 
Jrefer it to the Navy | Bd. for their considn. & | 

opinion. 



Lsl 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE ADMIRALTY TO 
REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

By &C. 

Whereas it is expedient his His Majesty's Service 
that Vice Adml. Graves^ should return to England 
with the three Guardships named in the Margin 
(Boyne, Somerset, Asia) ; And Whereas we have 
thought fit that you should succeed him in the Com- 
mand of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employ'd and 
to be employ'd in North America, (a List of which 
comes inclosed) You are hereby required and directed 
to repair, without loss of time, to Portsmouth, and hoist- 
ing your Flag on board His Majts. Ship the Chatham 
proceed in her to Plymouth, where having received on 
board the Party of Marines mention'd in the Margin, 
(i. Captain, i. Subaltern, 2. Serjeants, 2. Corporals, i. 
Drummer, 50. Private Men) which you will apply for 
as soon as you arrive, you are to take the Orpheus under 
your command, & make the best of your way to Boston, 
or whereever else you may hear Vice Admiral Graves 
to be, and deliver to him the inclosed Pacquet contain- 
ing Orders for his return to England. 

On the Departure of Vice Adml. Graves you are to 
take upon you the Command of the Squadron as afore- 
said; and, if the three Guardships should not be in the 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Orders and Instruc- 
tions, vol. 100, p. 138. 

2 Admiral Graves had been in command of the North American 
Station since July, 1774. 

[6] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

way to return with him to England, you are to send 
Orders to such of them as may be left behind, to follow 
him home with delay, the Asia to repair to Spithead, the 
other to Plymouth Sound, where they are to remain 
until further Order. 

We send you herewith Copies of such Orders & In- 
structions as have been given to Vice Admiral Graves, 
during the time he has been invested with the Com- 
mand in North America, And do hereby require and 
direct you to carry into Execution such of the said Or- 
ders & Instructions as have not already been fully exe- 
cuted. Given &c. the 29th. Septr. 1775. 

Sandwich 

J. BULLER 

C. Spencer 
To 

Molineux Shuldham Esq. 
Rear Adml. of the White & Commr. 
in Chief of His Majts. Ships & 
Vessels employ'd & to be employ'd 
in North America. 
By&c. 
P. S. 
Sent to him in Town ist Octor. 



[73 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure 

Admiralty Office 29th. Septr. 1775. 
List of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels in North America 
under the Command of Vice Adml. Graves on the 17th. 
Augt. 1775. and of those which have sail'd from Eng- 
land, and also those which are now fitting out to rein- 
force him. 



Rate 


Ships 


Guns Men 


Commanders 


4 


Preston 


50 


320. 


C Vice Adm. Graves 
( Captn Jno. Robinson 


3 


Boyne 


*7o 


520. 


Brodk. Hartwell 




Somerset 


*64 


520. 


Edwd. Le Cras 




Asia 


*64 


500. 


Geo. Vanderput 


6 


Mercury 


20 


130. 


John Macartney 




Glasgow- 


20 


130. 


Tyrh. Howe 




Rose 


20 


130. 


James Wallace 




Fowey 


24 


130. 


George Montagu 




Lively 


20 


130. 


Thomas Bishop 




Scarborough 


20 


130. 


Andw. Barkley 




Tartar 


28 


160. 


Edwd. Medows 


Slo. 


Nautilus 


16 


100. 


John Collins 




Merlin 


16 


100. 


Wm. C. Burnaby 




Falcon 


14 


100. 


John Linzee 




Tamar 


16 


100. 


Edwd. Thornborough 




Otter 


14 


100. 


Mathew Squire 




Senegal 


14 


100. 


Wm. Dudingston 




Scorpion 


14 


100. 


Hble. Jno. Tollemache 




Kingfisher 


14 


100. 


James Montagu 


Slo. 


Swan 


14 


100. 


James Ayscough 




Cruizer 


8 


60. 


Francis Parry 




Savage 


8 


60. 


Hugh Bromedge 


Schr. 


St. John 


Car. S 


30. 
wl. 


Lieut. Wm. Grant 


. 


Hope 


6, 


,10 30. 


Geo. Dawson 



* Order'd home with Vice Adml. Graves 



[83 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Rate 


Ships 


Guns 




Men 


Commanders 


. 


Halifax 






30. 


John De la Touche 


. 


St. Lawrence 






30. 


John Graves (It.) 


. 


Hinchinbrook 


e „ 




30. 


. Alexr. Ellis 


Ad. Bg. 


Bolton 






30. 


Thos. Graves 


. 


Gaspee 






30. 


Wm. Hunter 


Ad. VI. 


Canceaux 


6„ 


8 


45. 


Henry Mowat 






On their i 


Passage 


thither. 


4 


Renown 


50. 




300. 


Francis Banks 




Experiment 


50. 




280. 


Robert Keeler 


5 


Roebuck 


44. 




250. 


Andw. Snape Hamond 


5 


Phoenix 


44. 




250. 


Hyde Parker junr. 


. 


Niger 


32. 




180. 


George Talbot 


6 


Lizard 


28. 




160. 


John Hamilton 


. 


Cerberus 


28. 




160. 


John Symons 




Liverpool 


28. 




160. 


Henry Bellew 


Slo. 


Raven 


14. 




100. 


John Stanhope 




Hunter 


10. 




80. 


Thos. Mackenzie 




Viper 


10. 




80. 


David Pryce 






Car. Swl. 






Schor. 


Magdalen 


6., 


10 


30. 


Lieut. Joseph Nunn 


Ad. VI. 


Cherokee 


6„ 


8 


30. 


Jno. Ferguson 


Storesp. 


Adventure 


4., 


8 


40. 


Jno. Hallum 




Fitting 


out in 


order to p 


roceed thither. 


4 


Chatham 


50. 




300. 


John Rayner 


. 


Centurion 


50. 




300. 


Rd. Brathwaite 


5 


Orpheus 


32. 




180. 


Chas. Hudson 


6 


Actaeon 


28. 




160. 


Christr. Atkins 


. 


Solebay 


28. 




160. 


Thomas Symonds 


. 


Syren 


28. 




160. 


Tobias Furneaux 


. 


Boreas 


28. 




160. 


Chas. Thompson 


. 


Triton 


28. 




160, 


Skeffn. Lutwidge 



Enclosures 1-19 



Admty Office 29th. Septr. 1775. 
Schedule of Copies of Instructions and Orders from 
the Right Honble. the Lords Commissioners of the 

1:9: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Admty to Vice Adml. Graves, sent to Rear Adml. 
Shuldham with, their Lordships Order to him of this 
date. 

i6th. April 1774/ 
[To Vice Admiral Samuel Graves directing him to 
proceed to Boston to assume command of His Majesty's 
Ships and Vessels employed in the River St. Lawrence 
and along the Coast of Nova Scotia, the Islands of St. 
John and Cape Breton, and thence to Cape Florida and 
the Bahama Islands.] 

1 6th. April 1774. 
[Respecting the Act of Parliament for discontinuing 
the landing and shipping of Goods at the Town and 
within the Harbour of Boston.] 

1 6th. April 1774. 
[Directing Vice Admiral Graves to make use of his 
own credit and authority in taking up money at places 
where there is no Naval Officer.] 

1 6th. April 1774. 
[To cause the Act of Navigation and other Acts of 
Parliament respecting the Trade of the Colonies to be 
strictly enforced.] 

13th. October 1774. 
[Empowering the Admiral to hire small vessels in 
order to more effectively blockade the Port of Boston 
in execution of the recent Act of Parliament] 

^ This and the letters of instructions following are in the Admi- 
ralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vols. 548 to 
551 ; Secret Orders, 2, vol. 1332 ; and Orders, vols. 99 and lOO. 

CIO] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

5th. April 1775. 
[Transmitting copies of "An Act to restrain the 
Trade & Commerce of the Provinces of Massachusets 
Bay, &c." (i5thGeo. Ill.cap. 10)] 

6th. April 1775. 
[Respecting the fitting out of an armed vessel for the 
Service of William Gerrard De Brahm, Surveyor Gen- 
eral of His Majesty's American Dominions in the 
Southern District.] 

15th. April 1775. 
[Enclosing copies of "An Act to restrain the Trade 
and Commerce of the Colonies, &c." (15th. Geo. III. 
cap. 18)] 

22nd. May 1775. 
[To furnish Rear Admiral John Montague, Com- 
mander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships employed at or 
about the Island of Newfoundland, &c., with such rein- 
forcements as he may stand in need of.] 

6th. July 1775. 
[Secret orders to carry on such operations upon the 
Sea Coasts of the Four Governments in New England 
as may be most effectual for suppressing the Rebellion 
which is now openly avowed and supported by those 
Colonists; to station small detached Squadrons at New 
York, in Delaware Bay, in Chesapeake Bay, and within 
the Bay of Charleston, in order to prevent contraband 
trade between the several rebellious Colonies.] 

24th. July 1775. 
[Secret instructions to stop and search all merchant 
vessels bound to, or from. North America, and to ex- 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

amine all letters found on board as shall contain any 
matter tending to aid, abet, or advise the rebellious pro- 
ceedings of His Majesty's Subjects.] 

26th. August 1775. 
[Transmitting copies of an Order in Council of the 
23rd. August 1775, to order, require, prohibit & com- 
mand, that no Person whatsoever should during the 
space of six months presume to transport into any parts 
out of the Kingdom any Gunpowder, &c.] 

31st. August 1775. 
[To permit such loyal merchants at Boston as have 
goods and merchandize in Warehouses exposed to cer- 
tain damage & destruction, to put the said goods on 
board Ships or Vessels in the Harbour for their greater 
protection.] 

2nd. September 1775. 
[To seize & destroy all Ships and Vessels belonging 
to any of the said Colonies or owned by the Inhabitants 
thereof.] 

7th. September 1775. 
[Directing an increase in the Complements of Ships 
of Twenty-four & Twenty Guns and also of the Sloops 
on the North American Station.] 

14th. September 1775. 
[The Captains & Commanders of His Majesty's 
Ships to visit every Harbour within the said Colonies, 
where Ships & Vessels may be laid up, & so disable 
them that they may not be fitted out for the purpose of 
supporting the unnatural Rebellion now carrying on.] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

14th. September 1775. 

[To direct the Commanders of His Majesty's Ships 

to proceed hostilely against such Towns as may refuse 

to furnish, at a reasonable Price, Provisions & other 

Necessaries for the use of His Majesty's Fleet & Army.] 

19th. September 1775. 

[To take measures for preventing any Ships & Ves- 
sels arriving in the different Ports in North America 
from Great Britain & Ireland from unloading Flint 
Stones, v^hich may have been taken on board by w^ay of 
Ballast] 

28th. September 1775. 

[Forwarding Copies of an Order in Council of the 
27th. of September 1775, prohibiting the exportation of 
Salt Petre.] 



CIS] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Portsmouth 3d. Octobr. 1775 
Sir 

I am to acquaint you that on my arrival here this 
morning I caus'd my Flag to be hoisted On board his 
Majesty's Ship Chatham, & shall proceed to Sea by the 
first Opportunity of Wind & Weather. 

I am 
Sir 

Your most Obedt. 
Humble Servant 
M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Minute 4 Octr. | Own rect. 



D4] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Spithead 6 October 1775. 
Sir 

The Chatham was unmoor'd yesterday with a Mod- 
erate Wind at WNWt. and I expected you would have 
been informed of her being at Sea, but about three 
OClock it came round to the SWt. in which Quarter it 
continues now blowing fresh and Captain Raynor was 
under a necessity of giving Orders to moor again. This 
detention gives me an Opportunity of representing to you 
the Careless and unfinished manner in which I found 
my Appartment, as well as those of the Captain and 
Officers of the Chatham, indeed mine so very unfit for 
an Officer of my Rank that I am sure there is not a Man 
on board her who is not furnished with a more Warm 
and comfortable Lodging; whether this is owing to the 
negligence of the Workmen, or those who overlook 
them, or to the false and ill judg'd CEconomy, which 
prevails in our Dock Yards, is not my business to en- 
quire, but I am confident. Sir, it is a matter of such 
importance that requires the interposition of their 
Lordships Authority to enquire into and correct in all 
His Majesty's Ships, but particularly in those destined 
on the laborious Service, and in the severe Climate 
where I am appointed to Command, lest their Lord- 
ships should suppose I have exaggerated in this repre- 
sentation I beg leave to refer them for a confirmation 
of the truth of it, to Commissioner Gambler and Sir 
Peter Parker who did me the honor to dine with me 
yesterday on board the Chatham. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

As the Season is now so far advanced that it is likely 
I shall meet very severe Weather on the Coast of Amer- 
ica, I apprehend the Weight & Inconvenience of the 
Flat bottom Boat now on board may be of very bad con- 
sequence, therefore should be glad to be disincumber'd 
of her, and that she may be sent at a more favourable 
opportunity. I am 

Sir 

Your most obedient 
humble Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 6 Oct 1775 | R. A. Shuldham 

Minute 9 Oct ] let him know I | will lay it before | their 

Ldps. at their | next Meeting. 

12 Octor. I Send it to the | Navy Board with | directions 

to enquire | into the matter com | plained of &to report | 

to their Lops, how they find | the same to be & whether | 

the offrs. appd. & particularly the naval, have been 

fitted in | the usual Manner | Flag Ships are usually 

fitted, & if any | thing has been omitted to supply | it if 

there is time for it. 

Let him know it in | further answer to his Lre I & that 

as the Flat bottm. | Boat will be much | wanted in No. 

America their | Ldps. cannot consent to his | leaving it 

behind 

Navy Board Report | dated 20 October 1775. 



C16] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Spithead 7th. Octor. 1775 — 
Sir, 

As I am still detain'd by a contrary Westerly Wind, I 
profit of the Opportunity of Writing to you again on 
the subject of the Service on which I am going, and as 
it is probable I may be under a necessity of sending 
many of the Vessels under my Command to the Leward 
Islands to Clean and refitt, I shall be glad you will sig- 
nifye my request to their Lordships, that the Com- 
mander in Chief on that Station may be directed to send 
me One of the Cleanest of his Cruizers he may have, to 
replace Each of those I may be oblig'd to send to An- 
tigua, and that this mode, if their Lordships approve 
of it, may be pursued and provided for as long as they 
may think proper: I must likewise beg the favour their 
Lordships will please to give directions that Mittings 
or Woolen Gloves may be made an Article in the Slops 
sent out to America, and that, as it is not impossible but 
the Ships on that Service may be cut ofif from a constant 
supply of Water, that the Coppers of those Ships may 
be fitted according to Mr. Irvines invention for Distil- 
ling Fresh Water from Salt, and also that they may be 
supplied with Mr. Osbridge's Machine for Sweetning 
bad Water. I am, 

Sir, 

Your very humble Servant 
M. SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed y Octor. 1775 | R. A. Shuldham 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Minute [worn away] Octr. | Let him know | I will lay 
it be I fore their Lops, at | the next meeting [on 4th 
page] 12 Oct I Acqt him that | their Lops, cannot | 
agree to the Adml. at | Antigua sending him any | of his 
cleanest Frigates as | he will have occasion for all | of 
them in his own department, | & that therefore he must 
send to Engld. | from time to time such of his Ships as | 
may stand in need of much repair, | from whence he 
will have a competency of | clean Ships; and when he 
does send | any to England their Lops, recomd it | to 
him to send them to Plym — that | they may be the more 
speedily repaired | & sent back to him 
Their Lops, will give directns. for | the sending out 
Mittens & | woolen Gloves for the Seamen in | No. 
America, & also for fittg. | the Ships that are to follow | 
him with Mr. Irvines | opperation & Mr. | Ossbriges 
Mac. 



CiS] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Spithead loth. Octor 1775 — 
Sir, 

I am to Acknowledge the Receipt of Their Lordships 
Order to me of the 29th. past for proceeding to Boston, 
together with the other Orders and instructions for my 
Government, accompanying it, which should have 
been acknowledg'd sooner but thr'o mistake and the 
hurry I was in at leaving Town. I am 

Sir, 
Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 

M: SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. nth. 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Spithead loth. Octor. 1775— 
Sir, 

As Their Lordships have been pleased to appoint me 
to the important Command at North America, I must 
take the liberty of representing to you, that the Chat- 
ham is the worst and Oldest of any of the Fifty Gun- 
ships upon that Service, as well as extremely unfit and 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

inconvenient for a Flag-Officer Commanding in Chief 
on a Service where his Ship is to be his constant resi- 
dence, without the probability of lying a Night out of 
her during the course of his Command; I must there- 
fore beg the favour you will signifie my request to Their 
Lordships, that they will please to Order, that the Vigi- 
lant at this Port may be fitted properly for me and sent 
out in the Spring; the difference of the Draught of 
Water is Trifling and the additional number of Men I 
am confident will never want constant and necessary 
Employment. The reason of my particularising and 
making choice of the Vigilant is, that she is the most 
Floaty Ship of her Class in this Harbour. I submit the 
propriety of this request to Their Lordships Considera- 
tion, and am 

Sir 

Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 

M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Minute 1 8 Oct | Let him know | that their Lordships | 
cannot consent to the | employing the Vigilant in | the 
manner he proposes as 50 | G Ships are judged to be of 
a sufft. I size for the Service on which he is going | to be 
employed, & that as the Chatham has | lately had a 
V Adml. on bd. of her their Ldps. cannot | conceive but 
that she is very fit for the Service | She is now going 
upon 



L2o2 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
[ E. PHILIPS TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ^ ] 

Sj. 15th Octo. 1775 

Intelligence being received that the Inhabitants of 
Pensylvania in open Rebellion against the King have 
been for some time past, preparing a number of armed 
Craft in the form of floating Batteries for the purpose 
of annoying and attacking His Majesty's Ships that 
may be sent into that River and that they have also pre- 
pared and sunk in the Channel of the River Machines 
for obstructing the Navigation; And the Earl of Suf- 
folk (in the Earl of Dartmouth's^ absence) having 
transmitted to my Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
miralty the particulars of the aforesaid Intelligence 
and signified His Majestys Pleasure that you should be 
apprized of these preparations and instructed that you 
do immediately upon your arrival in America send 
some of the Vessels under your command of a proper 
size and force to endeavour to destroy those floating 
Batteries and to weigh up or otherwise render useless 
the Machines sunk in the Channel of the River with a 
view to obstruct the Navigation; I am (in the absence 
of the Secretary) commanded by their Lordships to 
send you herewith Copies of the Intelligence aforemen- 
tioned and to signify their direction to you immediately 
on your arrival in America to send some of the Vessels 
under your command of a proper size and force to en- 
deavour to perform the said Service accordingly &c 

Rear Adml. Shuldham— Spithead 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
550, p. 218. 

2 Secretary of State for the Colonies. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
[ E. PHILIPS TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

15th Octo. 1775 
Sr. 

The Earl of Suffolk^ having transmitted to my Lords 
Commrs. of the Admiralty a List of Ordnance and Stores 
belonging to His Majesty in the Bermuda Islands and 
at the Island of Providence in the Government of the 
Bahamas the first of which Places being intirely with- 
out Troops for its defence, and the other having only a 
very inconsiderable Detachment from one of the Regi- 
ments serving in North America, there is reason to 
apprehend some attempts may be made by His Maj- 
estys rebellious Subjects to possess themselves of those 
Stores; And Lord Suffolk having signified the King's 
Pleasure that you should be instructed to Station one of 
the small Ships under your command or some Armed 
Vessel at the Bermuda Islands, and a like Vessel at the 
Island of Providence; I am (in the absence of the 
Secretaries) commanded by their Lordships to send you 
inclosed a List of the Ordnance & Stores, and to signify 
their direction to you to Station one of the small Ships 
of your Squadron or some armed Vessel at the Bermuda 
Islands and a like Vessel at Providence for the safety 
& preservation thereof, in case any Attempts should be 
made upon them &c 

E. Ph: 
Rear Adml. Shuldham— Spithead 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
550, p. 219. 

2 Secretary of State, Southern Department. 

[22;] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
Iventory of Stores at Providence Bahama Islands. 

600 Barrels Gun Powder 
3 Iron Mortars 
75 Iron Guns of different Calibres 
1500 Stand of Fire Arms or Musquets 

Inventory of Stores at Bermuda 

700 Barrels of Gun Powder 
153 Iron Guns of different Calibres 
1200 Stand of Fire Arms or Musquets 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO ERASMUS PHILIPS ] 

Chatham, Spithead 16 Octor. 1775 — 
Sir, 

I have received by Express both your Letters of yes- 
terdays date, with the Four Inclosures to which they 
refer. One of those Letters signifying to me their Lord- 
ships Directions, to Station One of the small Ships 
under my Command, or some Arm'd Vessel at the Ber- 
muda Islands, and a like Vessel at Providence, for the 
safety and preservation of the Ordnance and Stores be- 
longing to His Majesty at those places, in case any at- 
tempts shou'd be made upon them; and the other Letter 
signifying Their Lordships Direction to me, to send 
some of the Vessels under my Command, of a Proper 
Size and Force, to Endeavour to to destroy. Weigh up 
or otherwise render useless the Machines sunk in the 
Channel of the River leading to Philadelphia to ob- 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Struct the Navigation thereof; All which Orders shall 
be Executed immediately on the Command devolving 
to me after my Arrival in America. I am, 

Sir, 

Your very humble Servant 
M. Shuldham 
Erasmus Philips Esqr. 

Endorsed Read 



[PHILIP STEPHENS TO REAR ADMIR.\L SHULDHAM^] 

lyh October 1775 
Sir 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having 
directed Vice Admiral Graves to cause the Comple- 
ments of His Majesty's Ships of 50 Guns under his 
Command to be increased to 350 Men each; I am com- 
manded by their Lordships to signify their direction to 
you to order the Captain of the Chatham to encrease her 
Complement to the same number of Men, and to apply 
to Vice Admiral Sir James Douglas^ for such a number 
of the Supernumeraries borne on board the Barfleur as 
may be wanting for that purpose. 

I am &ca. 

P. S. 
Rear Admiral Shuldham, at Portsmouth 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
550, p. 226. 

2 The Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Spithead i8th. Octobr. 1775 
Sir 

Few things have given me greater Concern than my 
long Detention at this place, which I have been Oblig'd 
to submit to on account of the Westerly Winds, which 
have blown, & still continue without any intermission ; I 
am now getting under sail with a fresh Wind at WSWt. 
to try, tho' without much Expectation of Success, to 
make some progress to the Westward. 

I am, Sir, 

Your most Obedt. 
Servant 

M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 20 & Read 



L^il 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

23d. October 1775. 
Sir 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having, 
by their order of this date, addressed to Vice Admiral 
Graves or the Commander in Chief for the time being 
of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America, 
directed him to give the most positive Orders to the 
Captains of the several Ships under his Command to 
burn and destroy every armed Vessell that shall appear 
to be fitted out by the Inhabitants of the Colonies in 
general which are associated in Arms against the King; 
I am commanded by their Lordships to send you here- 
with a Copy of the said order for your information and 
guidance in case you shall happen to fall in with any of 
the said Vessels in your passage to North America. 

I am &c 

P: S: 
P:S: 

You will please to deliver the inclosed Packet con- 
taining the above Orders to Vice Admiral Graves upon 
your arrival. 

Rear Admiral Shuldham, at Plymouth 

By Express at >4 past 5 O'Clock P.M. 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
550, p. 247. 



1:263 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Plymouth Sound 24th. Octor. 1775 — 
Sir, 

I am to acquaint you of my arrival here this day in 
His Majesty's Ship Chatham, and as soon as her Party 
of Marines is Embarked and the Provision and Water 
completed, I shall not fail of making use of the first 
Opportunity of proceeding to Sea agreeable to my Or- 
ders. I am, 

Sir, 

Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 

M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Minute 27 Oct | Own rect. 



C27] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Plymouth Sound 29th. Octor. 1775. 
Sir, 

As the Chatham and Orpheus were Short of Comple- 
ment, I have thought proper to give Captain Graves, 
Senior Officer of the Guard Ships at this Port, an Order 
to Discharge Sixteen Men which arrived here a few 
days ago from Bristol, where they were raised for His 
Majesty's Service, and were to be Enter'd on board the 
Nonsuch as Supernumeraries, into the said Ships Chat- 
ham and Orpheus. I am, 

Sir, 
Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 

M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Minute I Nov | Own rect. & | approve 



1:283 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

Q. nth. Novr. 1775. 

His Majesty having judged it expedient that a Body 
of Land Forces supported by a Squadron of Ships of 
War should be sent to North or South Carolina not only 
to encourage & support His loyal Subjects in those and 
the adjacent Colonies to the Southward, but in order to 
make a Division from the Rebel Army acting against 
His Towns to the Northward; I am commanded by my 
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you 
therewith, and that in consequence thereof Sir Peter 
Parker in the Bristol with the Ships and Bomb Vessel 
named in the Margin (Actaeon, Boreas, Solebay, Deal 
Castle, Sphynx, Thunder, Bomb), will proceed from 
Corke in about a Month's time with Seven Regiments 
of Foot to Cape Fear, where he will be joined by the 
Syren, now under orders to proceed from Plymouth, 
with Dispatches to the Governors of North and South 
Carolina to collect such information as may be neces- 
sary to regulate the Operations of the said Sea & Land 
Forces. — Their Lordships will send Duplicates of the 
abovementioned Dispatches as also Dispatches to the 
Governors of Georgia and East Florida, upon the same 
subject, in a few days by the Hawke Sloop, whose Com- 
mander will also join Sir Peter ofif Cape Fear with such 
Advices as he shall have obtained, and when Sir Peter 
can conveniently spare the Sloop, proceed to Jamaica 
to reinforce the Squadron under the Command of Rear 
Admiral Gayton. 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Secret Letters, vol. 
1333- 

C293 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

As it is probable that from the Advices Sir Peter 
Parker may receive upon his arrival on the Coast, the 
Operations may be directed against Charles Town; the 
reinforcement of one, or two, two-decked Ships, may 
contribute greatly to the success thereof; Their Lord- 
ships therefore recommend it to you to send the Experi- 
ment, or a 40 Gun-ship, or both, to join Sir Peter off 
Cape Fear, if you can spare them from other Services; 
In which case you will also send him any Pilots you can 
collect who are acquainted with the Ports on that part 
of the Coast, and such Advices of the State of Affairs in 
America as you may think proper to communicate to 
him. 

Their Lordships command me to add that altho' Sir 
Peter Parker is appointed to Command upon this par- 
ticular Service, you are nevertheless to consider the 
Ships that accompany him as a part of your Squadron, 
and to take both him & them under your command & 
employ them in such manner as you shall judge best for 
the General Service; without diverting them however 
from the Operations beforementioned, the progress & 
success of which he will be instructed to inform you 
of. — But when these Operations are over, you will di- 
rect Sir Peter Parker to station the Ships he has with 
him in such manner as you shall think most proper; 
And to the end that they may be the better enabled to 
continue upon those Stations, their Lordships have or- 
dered a Storeship & a Victualler to be prepared to send 
with the Squadron from England in order to supply 
their wants. 

I have the honor to be &ca. 

Php Stephens. 
Rear Admiral Shuldham, at Boston. 

C30] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

nth. Novemr. 1775. 
Sir, 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having 
received Advices that Vessels belonging to His Maj- 
estys Rebellious Subjects in North America and more 
particularly those of Philadelphia, do find means to 
elude the vigilance of His Majesty's Cruizers, and pro- 
ceed with Cargoes to Ferrol, Lisbon, & several Ports in 
France, and return with Cargoes of Salt-petre, Gun- 
powder and other Warlike Stores;^ and that there are 
at this time two Vessels at Port L'Orient belonging to 
Philadelphia laden with Saltpetre ready to return 
thither, the one a Brigantine, the other a Schooner of 
about 100 Tons burthen, fitted out like a Privatier and 
mounted with eight carriage Guns; And their Lord- 
ships having also received Advices of the Track these 
Philadelphia Vessels pursue in their voyage to Europe 
after they leave Sandy Hook; I am commanded to send 
you Copies of some of the most material of the said Ad- 
vices, and particularly of the last mentioned for your 
information. I am &ca. 

Php. Stephens 
Rear Adml. Shuldham, at Boston. 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Secret Letters, vol, 
1333- 

2 Holland was one of the chief markets to which the Americans re- 
sorted and where they found they were very readily served; while 
France, the West Indies, Portugal, Spain, and even London itself 
furnished them what they desired in no small amounts. See Cal. of 
Home Office Papers, I773-I775. § 7i7, 732, 1045, 1074, 1093. 

DO 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ GEORGE JACKSON TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

4th. Janry 1776. 
Sir, 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having 
received Intelligence of a Ship now on her passage 
from L'Orient to some Port in North America with 
200,000 ii Salt Petre on board; I send you by their 
Lordships directions a Copy of the said Intelligence for 
your information, that you may give such Orders there- 
on to the Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and 
Vessels under your Command as you think most likely 
to answer the purpose of intercepting the said Ship. 
I am &ca. 

Geo. Jackson D S.^ 

Rear Adml. Shuldham, at Boston. 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Secret Letters, vol. 

1333- 

2 Second Secretary to the Admiralty and Judge-Advocate since Nov. 
II, 1766, and until 1782, when he retired from the Navy Board. 



U2-2 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM' ] 

8th. Janry 1776. 
Sir, 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty were 
pleased in a Letter from Mr. Stephens dated the nth. 
of Novemr. last, which was forwarded by the Triton, to 
acquaint you that His Majesty had judged it expedient 
that a Body of Land Forces supported by a Squadron of 
Ships of War under the command of Sir Peter Parker 
should be sent to North or South Carolina with a view 
to the Objects mentioned in the said Letter. 

The Triton sailed from Plymouth on the 21st. of 
Novemr., but on the 14th. of last Month had the mis- 
fortune of losing all her Masts in a hard gale of Wind, 
which has obliged her to return to Plymouth and now 
lays their Lordships under the disagreable circum- 
stance of transmitting their aforementioned informa- 
tion in this Letter by the Milford, whose sailing at this 
time may probably occasion the Reinforcement you are 
therein directed to send to assist the Operations of Sir 
Peter Parker's Squadron to arrive later than was ex- 
pected ; but it is from that reason more strongly recom- 
mended by their Lordships that upon the Milford's 
arrival you give such immediate Orders with respect to 
such Reinforcement as you conceive will be most effec- 
tual to his Majesty's Service. 

The Instructions given to Sir Peter Parkerbeingdrawn 
conformable to what is mentioned in Mr. Stephens's 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Secret Letters, vol. 
1333- 

[333 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

aforementioned Letter, I have only to trouble you fur- 
ther on this Subject with observing that the Boreas 
which was intended to have made part of his Squadron, 
in turning from Spithead unfortunately got on the Dean 
Sand and received such damages as made it expedient to 
order the Active to proceed in her room. — That the 
Deal castle another of his Squadron has likewise had 
the misfortune to lose her Masts, but it is expected she 
may be refitted so as to arrive on her Station by the time 
or soon after Sir Peter shall get there. — That their 
Lordships instead of ordering the Hawke as mentioned 
to you in Mr. Stephens's Letter to join the Squadron at 
Jamaica, have directed Sir Peter to continue her as one 
of the Vessels under his Command; And that an addi- 
tion is made thereto of the Carcass Bomb and the 
Friendship a hired Vessel of 489 Tons to serve occasion- 
ally as a Transport or Armed Vessel, for which last 
mentioned purpose she is provided with Eighteen Nine 
Pounders & Six Six Pounders and a proper proportion 
of Ordnance Stores. 

The severity of the Weather which there has been of 
late has prevented the Ships employed on this Expedi- 
tion assembling at Corke so early as was expected ; the 
Ships of War are now on their passage thither, and my 
Lords have confidence that no time will be lost in em- 
barking the Troops and putting to Sea the first favor- 
able opportunity that may afterwards offer. I am &ca. 

Geo. Jackson DS. 
Rear Adml. Shuldham, at Boston. 



[3411 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

8th J any 1776 
Sr. 

An Act having pass'd the present Sessions of Parlia- 
ment "To Prohibit all Trade & Intercourse with the 
"several Colonies in North America therein named 
"during the continuance of the present Rebellion within 
"the said Colonies". In which Act it is declared that 
all Ships and Vessels trading to & from any of the said 
Places except as in the said Act is excepted shall be for- 
feited & become the Sole property of the Captors; I am 
commanded by my Lords Commrs. of the Admty to 
send you one of the said Acts also of the Kings Procla- 
mation appointing the distribution of the Prizes that 
may be taken in consequence thereof for your informa- 
tion & guidance. 

I send you 70 more of the said Acts & Proclamations 
which you will please to distribute to the Captains of 
the several Ships & Vessels under your command & to 
such as you may happen to meet with who have not al- 
ready been furnished with them &c 

GJ DS 
Rear Adml. Shuldham— Boston 
(BytheMilford) 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
550, p. 507. 



l3^1 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO REAR ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

g^ 9th Janry 1776. 

My Lord George Germaine^ having transmitted to 
my Lords Commrs of the Admiralty a return He had 
received from Major General Howe of the Transports 
in His Majts. Service at Boston by which it appears the 
greatest part of the said Ships are deficient in the Com- 
pliments of Men which by the Charter Parties with the 
Owners they are required to have; And the General 
observing that sixty five of the Men wanting to com- 
plete the Transports have entered or been pressed into 
His Majesty's Ships on that Station; I am commanded 
by their Lordships to acquaint you therewith & to sig- 
nify their direction to you, if it shall be found that Men 
have entered or been pressed as aforementioned to cause 
such Men to be returned to the Transports to which they 
.properly belong, and in future, Order the Captain's 
of His Majts. Ships or Vessels under your Command, 
not to receive any Seamen belonging to the Transports 
or other Vessels in the King's Pay, and on no Account 
to suffer any such Men to be impressed into the Service. 

I am &c 

Geo. Jackson DS 
Rr. Adml. Shuldham 
&c &c &c 

North America 
"at Boston" 

(BytheMilford) 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
550, p. 522. 

2 Secretary of State for the Colonies since November, 1775. 

1:36] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Boston 15th. January 1776. 
Sir 

I have the pleasure to acquaint you of my Arrival 
here in His Majesty's Ship Chatham the 30th. past after 
a passage of Sixty One Days; for a Circumstantial Ac- 
count of the Occurrences of which, I beg to refer you to 
my Journal accompanying this Letter, in which I shall 
only say on that Subject; that the Voyage was almost a 
constant Succession of Storms and contrary Winds, at- 
tended with the most severe Weather I ever felt, which 
has so Shatter'd the Chatham that she must remain un- 
fit for any Sea Service 'till she is Caulked and repaired ; 
This I hope we shall be able to do here before she is 
wanted. You will see by my Journal, Sir, that the 
Orpheus parted Company from me in a most Violent 
Gale of Wind on the 21st. November notwithstanding 
the great care and attention of Captain Hudson, who is 
not yet arrived; and that Captain Munroe, Command- 
ing the Party of Marines on board the Chatham, Dy'd 
the 30th. of the same Month. 

Immediately on my Arrival I delivered all the Pack- 
ets committed to my care, to Admiral Graves and Gen- 
eral Howe, and communicated to the Admiral the 
Copys of those Letters you had furnished me with and 
wrote to him lately, the Originals of many of which he 
has not yet received, and I presume are in the Experi- 
ment and Centurion, not yet arrived; I likewise com- 

1 Shuldham had been, on December yth, 1775, promoted to be 
Vice Admiral of the Blue. 

C37I 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

municated to him your Letters (with the Intelligence 
accompanying them) Signifying their Lordships Or- 
ders to me, to send Vessels of proper Force and Size to 
the River Delaware, to oppose the Operations the 
Rebels are carrying on there, and to send a Vessel to 
Bermuda and another to the Bahama Islands, to protect 
the Ordnance Stores belonging to His Majesty at those 
Islands but I am glad to inform you, that Admiral 
Graves has certain Intelligence that the Inhabitants of 
Providence are faithfully afifected to His Majesty, and 
are determined, and able to defend those Stores without 
any Additional Force ; and as soon as any proper Vessel 
arrives after Admiral Graves's Departure, I shall send 
her to Bermuda. 

I was much concerned to hear on my Arrival of the 
Number of small Arm'd Vessels fitted out by the 
Rebels, and which had taken many unarmed Ones of 
Ours bringing Stores and Supplies to this place notwith- 
standing it appears to me, that our Cruizers are Sta- 
tioned and distributed in all the most likely places to 
intercept them; and that there has been no failure on 
the part of Our Officers ; but the Success of the Rebels 
may reasonably be accounted for, if Their Lordships 
will please to consider the Advantage they have over us 
by being too early Sufifer'd to take possession of all the 
Harbours, Creeks and Rivers on this Coast, many of 
which they have Fortify'd, and where these small Ves- 
sels Lye ready, 'till by Signals from Eminences on the 
shore of a Vessel in the Offin, they push out and Seize 
her before it is possible for our Cruizers to Relieve, or 
perhaps from the Sholeness of the Water venture to 
follow her; for this reason. Sir, I beg leave to recom- 
mend it to their Lordships, that no Stores or Supplys 

C38] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

may be sent in future except in Arm'd Vessels, which 
will Answer a double purpose by leaving part of their 
Men on their return home for the use of the Fleet, 
which I find is in great want, as well as the number of 
Ships far from Sufficient for the Various Services I am 
Order'd, and shall find Necessary to execute, which 
Their Lordships I doubt not will be convinced of by 
observing, that this place will in a few days be left un- 
protected by any other Naval Force than the Chatham 
and Lively Frigate under repair. Convoys are not to 
be depended on, for by the Fogs which prevail upon 
this Coast in the Summer and the Violent Northwest 
Winds in the Winter Seasons, it is almost impossible to 
prevent Seperation. 

Of the Thirty five Vessels Freighted by Mure and 
Company with Provisions and Supplys for the use of 
the Fleet and Army only Eight are Arrived, and on 
board those not above a Twentieth part of the Sheep 
were brought in Alive. 

I must beg leave to refer you for an Account of the 
Operations and State of the Squadron to that which I 
presume you will receive from Admiral Graves by this 
Conveyance, He is preparing for, and intends proceed- 
ing to England in a few Days on board the Preston. 
I am, 

Sir, Your most Obedient 

Humble Servant 

M. Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 14 Feby. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Boston 19th. Janry 1776 
Sir, 

Vice Admiral Graves intending to proceed to Eng- 
land in a few days in the Preston gives me an oppor- 
tunity of transmitting to you, some late Intelligence 
from Captains Parker and Vandeput, and Governor 
Tryon, of the State of Affairs at New York, by which 
I hope their Lordships will see the necessity of con- 
tinuing the Asia some time longer at that place, and 
that they will please to dispense with my immediate 
Obedience to their Order for sending her home at this 
Critical Juncture when perhaps the appearance of that 
Ship, may be the means of bringing over many of the 
disaffected, to a sense of their Duty to His Majesty, and 
disuniting that Colony from those where the Inhabi- 
tants are in a more open and avowed state of Rebellion; 
and in this opinion General Howe, whom I have con- 
fer'd with and consulted on this Subject, is pleased to 
concur with me. 

I transmit to you likewise, Sir, a Copy of the last Let- 
ter received from Captain Wallace of the Rose at 
Rhode Island, giving an Account of the State of, and 
the Situation he is in at that place and as Captain Wal- 
lace's services deserve every reward can be confer'd on 
him, I humbly recommend it to their Lordships Con- 
sideration sending him out a Larger and better Ship, 
especially as the Rose is Two years Foul, and that from 
his keeping the Inhabitants of that Province in so much 
Awe it would be improper to remove him from it. 

I have the Pleasure to acquaint you of the Arrival of 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

His Majesty's Ship Centurion at this place the i8th. In- 
stant after a Passage of Twelve Weeks, in which Cap- 
tain Brathwaite informs me all his Sails were blown 
away except those now bent to his Yards. 

I am; 
Sir 
Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 

M. Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 22 Feby | Ansd. 



Enclosure A 
[ INTELLIGENCE FROM GOVERNOR TRYON ] 

Philadelphia Novemr. i6th. 1775. 

The great news of the day with us is now to Destroy 
the Navy, a certain Mr. Bushnel has compleated his 
Machine, and has been missing four weeks, returned 
this day week. 

It is conjectur'd that an attempt was made on the 
Asia, but proved unsuccessfull— Return'd to New 
Haven in order to get a Pump of a new Construction 
which will soon be completed,— When you may expect 
to see the Ships in Smoke. The Congress has now 
about Ten Sail of Vessels, five a Cruizing in the Mouth 
of the River Saint Lawrence, in order to take the Trans- 
port from England, and to speak with Carleton in his 
flight from Quebec, One, a certain Captain Whipple, 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

has been Cruizing for the Packet, and most likely will 
take the Outward bound Packet, Whipple carries 
twelve Guns in a'Sloop. 

Endorsed (Copy) | Governor Tryon's Intelligence | 
from Philadelphia Novemr. | i6th. 1775.— | Rd. in 
V. A. Shuldham's Letter | 19 Janry 



Enclosure B 

[ INTELLIGENCE FROM CAPTAIN PARKER ] 

(Copy) 

The Master (supposed to be John Hetherington) of 
the Pilot Boat named the Black Joke, and another Pilot 
are engaged with their Boats at 20 Shillings ^r. Day, 
to stop up the narrowest part of the Channel, between 
the East and West Banks, for which purpose, they were 
Sounding the Depth &ca. last Friday and Saturday, the 
Materials to execute this Work, are preparing on Staten 
Island. 
5th. Decemr. 1775 

N.B. The above John Hetherington is now on board 
the Asia, and Acknowledges to the having been em- 
ployed upon the Occasion. 

H Parker 

Endorsed Captain Parker's Intelligence | from New 
York, 5th. December | 177^.— \ Rd. in V. A. Shuld- 
ham's letter | 19 Jany. 

1:42] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure C 

[ INTELLIGENCE FROM GOVERNOR TRYON ] 

Intelligence received from Philadelphia 

the 1 2th December 1775. 
"Lord Dunmore is entrenched at Suffolk with 2000 
Men certain, I have heard from two Gentlemen that he 
has 5000, and that five Counties have joined him to a 
Man; there are great preparations making at Phila- 
delphia to attack Lord Dunmore; Five Vessels getting 
ready with the greatest dispatch, one of them carries 20 
Nine pounders, and 12 Sixes, One of Twenty Nine 
Pounders, Two of Fourteen Guns and one of 16, besides 
a New England Sloop of 14 Guns, lying before the 
Town,^ and had brought Officers for the other Vessels; 
the Commodore who commands this Fleet is from 
Rhode Island, his Name is Hopkins.— There are now 
Orders for three Regiments, Viz : two from Pensyl- 
vania, and one from Jersey to March towards Suffolk 
by way Chisepeak to attack Lord Dunmore." 

Endorsed (Copy) Governor Tryon's Intelligence | 
from Philadelphia 12th. Decemr. | 1775. | Rd. in V. A. 
Shuldhams Letter | 19 Janry 

1 The Alfred, Columbus, Andrew Doria, Cabot, and Providence, 
under the command of Commodore Esek Hopkins. 



C433 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure D 

[ CAPTAIN VANDERPUT TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES ] 

(Copy) 

Asia, New York i8th. Decemr. 1775. 
Sir, 

I received your Letter by the Sloop George, and Mr. 
Lobb who arrived here on the nth. Instant from 
Rhode Island, deliver'd to me your Orders of the 4th. 
all which I have communicated to Capt. Parker, as I 
have whatever Intelligence I have thought necessary 
for you to be informed of. I have sent to Boston (ac- 
cording to your Order) the Brigg Helena with Salt 
from St. Ubes which Captain Parker has directed the 
Commander of the Sloop George to take under his 
Convoy, the Owner of the Brigg, Mr. Bache, (for 
whose Character I beg to refer you to Major Moncreiffe 
or any of the Officers who have been at New York) 
informs me that Five Guns which are under the Salt, 
have been always in her as part of her Ballast, which he 
says he will take care to send proof of.— We have for a 
considerable time past had every Supply that we have 
demanded sent on board to Us, without any Molestation 
to the Boats which have brought it; nor do I expect 
there will be any unless some of the Rebel Troops from 
Connecticut, or New Jersey, should come into the 
Town, and prevent the Towns People from acting as 
they seem at present inclined. 

Enclosed I send you a Form of Two Vessels I have 
Stopp'd, the Helena Brigg and the Sloop Charity, the 
latter who is very Deep, and deep Waisted is not fit to be 

1:443 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

sent round at this Season of the Year.— John Sharp and 
Thomas Smith two Volunteers whom I have Dis- 
charged into the Preston, are both Pilots for the Sound, 
John Sharp knows all the Coast from Boston, and is a 
Pilot for the Delaware, and is acquainted with James 
River. I am, 

Sir&ca. 

Geo: Vandeput 

Samuel Graves Esqr. Vice Admiral of the White, 
&ca. &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Captn. | Vandeput to 
Vice Admiral | Graves, Dated Asia, New | York i8th. 
Decemr. 1775.— | In V. A Shuldham's | Letter of the 
i9janry 



Enclosure E 

[ INTELLIGENCE FROM GOVERNOR TRYON ] 

In Congress) Payment being provided The next 
thing to be considered is how to Convey the Vessels safe 
to America as there is no doubt but Brittish Cruizers 
will Seize all American Ships, if they fall in with them, 
neither will they spare Foreign Ships if they are met 
with on the American Coast, should Quebec Grace the 
American Laurels and by that means all Canada will 
fall into our hands, it might be well then to have a 
plentifull supply of Indian Goods brought out in a 
French Ship early next Spring to the Island of St. Peter 
or Miquelon from whence they are ready to run up the 

Us:] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

River St. Lawrence as soon as the Navigation opens, the 
goods to be Shipped by French Merchants as their own 
property and consigned by Bill of loading and invoice 
to a person appearing as their Factor but in reality 
ours — Another parcel of goods may be Shipped from 
France this Winter in French Bottoms to Cape St. 
Nichola in Hispaniola consigned to an Agent Stationed 
there, who can readily provide American Ships to run 
them to any part of the Continent that might be order'd, 
should it be judged expedient to send any Indian goods 
into the River Missisipy whither French or Americans 
might be employed to carry them, as the Navigation of 
that River remains free to both, and from New Orleans 
the goods might be brought in the River as far as Fort 
Pitt, in Batteaus. 

Had not time to copy the whole but this is the par- 
ticulars. — 

Bernard Romans is appointed Engineer of the For- 
tress in the Highlands, he had 50 pounds a Year from 
the Crown as Botanist for one of the Florida's. 

It is imagined that goods might be had from France 
nearly as cheap as we have been supplied from Eng- 
land, many Articles indeed are known to be much 
cheaper; if Orders were sent to France, or an Agent 
employed to go there to Ship a few thousands Pounds 
worth of Goods from thence in a number of Vessels, 
and could get Insurances made thereon in France the 
Merchants and Manufacturers would soon tast the 
Sweets of such an intercourse with us, and perhaps it 
would soon become a National Commerce. I appre- 
hend there would be little difficulty therein, and imma- 

C463 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

gine that Vessels loaded from hence with our produce 
for foreign Markets by order of Congress might be In- 
sured in France, as well as Vessels bound from thence 
to America, if so, and only half of them or one third 
should arrive safe, the Trade would be beneficial or at 
least answer very Valuable purposes. 

Resolved that in case any difficulty shall arise or be 
apprehended in forming the new Army destined for the 
Defence of the Lines near Cambridge, General Wash- 
ington be intituled to request the respective assemblies 
and conventions of the Four New England provinces to 
contribute their utmost aid to compel the Levies which 
shall be desired. — 

NB. This from Governor Tryon who had it from un- 
doubted Authority. 

Signed, H : PARKER. 

Endorsed Captain Parker's Intelligence | from Govr. 
Tryon— | In V. A. Shuldhams Letter of | the 19 Janry 



Enclosure F 

[ CAPTAIN WALLACE TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES ] 

(Copy) 

Rose, Rhode Island the 28th. Decemr. 1775— 
Sir, 

Since my last of the loth. Inst, the Rebels Issued out 
Orders from Providence to break off all Communica- 

C47] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

tion with the King's Ships, not to supply them with any 
thing whatever, on pain of Death; Upon which I ac- 
quainted the Town, if they were a Town, we must be 
upon other Terms — A Committee came on board, de- 
sired a Truce, while they could send off a Number of 
Inhabitants to Providence, to represent their situation, 
and to obtain permission to supply us with every thing 
we wanted— this I granted— Twenty of them accord- 
ingly went ofif, and obtained leave to supply us; so that 
now we are upon the same Footing as before — But this 
I know can't last long. The Rebels suspect Newport is 
intended to be made a Post for the King, this has 
brought Lee here with more Troops, what his Inten- 
tions are I can't at present penetrate, unless to erect Bat- 
teries and provoke us to destroy the Town.— If Govern- 
ment has no Intentions upon the place, would it not be 
better to destroy it, and carry the War along the Coast; 
the Destruction of a Great Town, without particular 
Orders, is a serious matter; however something must be 
done for the King's Service, if they won't endeavour to 
save their own Towns, why should we— 'tis better they 
should be destroyed than that they should be Enemies 
to us. 

Lee enter'd the Town the 25th. Instt. with a Detach- 
ment, leaving his Main body (about 2000) without the 
Town: — Began, with sending for a Number of the 
Principal People, who were suspected to be Friends to 
Government— Tendered them the inclosed Affidavit; 
some that refused he took away Prisoners with him ; this 
Visit 'tis said was in consequence of a Report, that a 
Number of Inhabitants were ready to join me, for the 
King's Service — however I suppose he was convinced 
to the contrary, and after Vapouring two or three days 

C483 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

left US again. They still assure me that the Rebel Phila- 
delphia Fleet is destined here, which will oblige me to 
detain the Transport some time longer as a Store and 
Hospital Ship. Upon the departure of Lee, they sent 
on board and offered us every thing we wanted ; I ac- 
cepted till the 8th. JaiTry— Indeed we can do but little 
at present, the Weather having been very severe— Seven 
or Eight of our Men have been Frost-bit— And no In- 
structions from you since the Swan arrived — Accounts 
from York mention Lord Dunmore's making a brave 
Stand, and collecting an Army of 5000 Men. I am, 

Sir I &ca. | JAS. WALLACE 

There is a Report that Lord Dunmore 
is Defeated & 160 Men killed.— 
Vice Admiral Graves. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Captn. | Wallace of 
His Majesty's | Ship Rose, Senior Officer | at Rhode 
Island, to Vice | Admiral Graves | dated 28th. Decemr. 
1775 I Rd. in V. A. Shuldhams Letter of | the 19 Janry 



Enclosure G 

Affidavit, Tendered by Lee to the inhabitants of 
Rhode Island. 

I do now in the presence of Almighty God, as I hope 
for ease, honor and comfort in this World, and happi- 
ness in the life to come, most earnestly, devoutly and 
religiously swear neither directly or indirectly to assist 

1:493 



/ 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the wicked instruments of Ministerial tyranny and vil- 
lainy, commonly called the King's Army and Navy, by 
furnishing them with Provisions or refreshments of any 
kind, unless authorised by the continental Congress or 
the legislature as at present established of this particular 
Colony of Rhode Island. 

I do also swear by the same tremendous and almighty 
God, that I will neither directly or indirectly convey 
any Intelligence, nor give any advice to the aforesaid 
enemies here described, and that I pledge myself that 
if I should by any accident get the knowledge of such 
treasons, to inform immediately the Committee of 
safety. 

And as it is justly allowed that when the rights and 
sacred liberties of a nation or community are Invaded; 
neutrality is not less base and criminal than open and 
avowed hostility: I do further swear and pledge myself 
as I hope for eternal salvation, that I will, whenever 
called upon by the continental Congress, or by the Leg- 
islature of this particular Colony under their authority 
to take up arms and subject myself to Military dis- 
cipline, in defence of the common rights and liberties 
of America. 

So help me God. 

Endorsed (Copy) | Affidavit, Tendered by Lee | to the 
inhabitants of Rhode | Island. | Rd in V. A. Shuldhams 
Letter | 19 Janry 



CSO] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Boston 27th. Janry 1776— 
Sir, 

Herewith I transmit to you Copy of a Letter I have 
//received from Mr. Alexander Brymer, Agent to Mr. 
Robert Grant Contractor for Supplying His Majesty's 
Ships at this place with Fresh Meat, together with the 
Articles of Agreement between Him and the Victual- 
ling Board for that Contract; and beg the favour you 
will signifie my request to Their Lordships, that they 
will please to take the proper measures for removing 
the Difficulties Mr. Brymer complains of, that His 
Majesty's Squadron under my Command may meet 
with no Obstruction in receiving its proper and neces- 
sary Supplys of that Article of Provision, I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedient 

humble Servant 

M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 22 Feby | Ansd. 

Minute 28th. Feby. | Send a Copy of Mr. | Brymer's 
Letter to the Victg. | Board and direct them to take 
the I same into their consideration & report as soon | as 
convenient their opinion what may be proper to do | 
thereon— 

1:51] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A 

[ ALEXR. BRYMER TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Boston 25 January 1776 

Sir 

Mr. Robert Grant of London having enter'd into an 
Agreement, the 7 July last, with the Principal Officers 
and Commissioners for Victualing His Majestys Navy, 
to supply the Squadron at this Place with Fresh Beef 
when to be had, on a Commission of 5,^r. Cent; I beg 
leave to inclose a Copy of the Agreement and to make 
some remarks thereon as Agent to Mr. Grant for exe- 
cuting this Business. 

You will please to Observe that I am restricted from 
charging the Exchange I may be obliged to raise 
Money at to make purchases. And only to have the Ex- 
change at the times my Accounts shall be respectively 
made up, and then to draw only in favour of Mr. Grant, 
which prevents my negociating or passing the Bills 
away here. From this Mode of transacting the Busi- 
ness and the Fluctuation of Exchange, it already has 
and may frequently happen, that Mr. Grant shall lose 
more than the Commission of 5, ^r. Cent. To illus- 
trate, Exchange has fallen lately from 17^ ^r. Cent 
discount to izy^ and 10 ^r. Cent, consequently all 
Money laid out and that I may have to draw for on 
closing my Account Mr. Grant will Suffer from 5 to 
7^ ^r. Cent loss on. 

Cargoes of Cattle frequently arrive just after a Vessel 
has sailed for London and another may not offer for a 
Month or Six Weeks after, and 'tis well known that all 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Bills drawn just after a Ship is sailed, depreciates in 
Exchange generally about 2^ ^r. Cent, which loss 
Mr. Grant must Sustain and be in Advance Six Weeks 
or two Months for the Amount of the Purchases and 
run the Risk of a further Loss on Exchange at the time 
my Account is made up and that I draw for the 
Amount. These are difficulties which I presume did 
not Occurr either to the Board of Commissioners or Mr. 
Grant. To obviate these Obstacles and to prevent dis- 
appointment in purchasing Supplies of Fresh Meat, 
which is not at all times even to be effected by Bills, I 
wou'd humbly beg Leave to offer the following Sug- 
gestions to your Consideration. 

That I should have leave to draw on the Board of 
Commissioners, and to pay the Bills away as I make 
purchases, having the Accounts first approved by you 
and also the Bills, and even to pass Bills by Anticipa- 
tion when the Exchange is favorable to enable my pur- 
chasing a Cargo or Cargoes as soon as they Arrive, 
which at present I cannot do without injuring Mr. 
Grant by Exchange or at least hazarding it, as well as 
putting him to a very considerable Advance, as I can- 
not draw on the Board 'till my Accounts are made up; 
And I likewise beg leave to Submit whether it may not 
be found expedient to have Money out early in the 
Spring for this purpose to prevent disappointment or 
injury to the Service. 

I have the honor to be 
Sir ! Your most Obedient 
and very humble Servant 

Alexr. Brymer 
Rear Admiral Shuldham 

l^3l 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE APMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

• :- Chatham, Boston 28th. January 1776. 

Sir, 

-In pursuance of an Order from Vice Admiral Graves 
of Yesterday's Date, I have taken upon me the Com- 
mand of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels which will 

//remain in North America after his Departure, the 
Disposition of which, together with the State and Con- 
dition of those at, and near this place, I transmit to you 
herewith, and am to acquaint you. Sir, that by advice 
received last Night from Halifax, His Majesty's Ship 
Somerset' Sailed from that place for England the 15th. 
and the Roebuck for Virginia the 14th. Instant, and 
that Commissioner Arbuthnot writes to me in the fol- 
lowing terms; "I presume as soon as the Commander 
"in Chief can spare Forces that he will think of Sending 

/ "two, Two Deck Ships to command the Heights all 
"round the Land part of this Yard which command it 
"very much." Their Lordships will without doubt see 
the impossibility of my complying with this application 
under my present Circumstances. 
/ I likewise transmit to you, Sir Copy of a Letter 
from Lieutenant Hunter Commander of the Gaspee 
Armed Bfig informing Admiral Graves of his being 
taken^with thirteen of his Men by the Rebels at Saint 
Johns, and if I find that the Vessel has not fallen into 
their hands (which does not possitively appear by the 
Lieutenant's Letter) I shall send an Officer to Com- 
mand her. 

Admiral Graves informs me there is a Scarcity of 

1:543 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Ordnance Small Stores at Halifax for the use of the 
Fleet, particularly Three and Four Pound Shot for the 
small Cruizers, and as it is very inconvenient sending so- 
far for all kind of Ordnance Stores, I shall be glad 
Their Lordships will please to recommend that a Sup- 
ply in a Store Ship may be sent to this place or wherever 
the Commander in Chief may be. 

I likewise transmit to you, Copy of a Letter from 
/Commissioner Arbuthnot to Vice Admiral Graves re- 
lating to the State of Halifax; together with Captain 
/Wallace's Additional Intelligence from Rhode Island; 
and must beg to refer you to my former Letters for an 
Account of all other Occurrencys and Intelligence nec- 
essary for Their Lordship's information. Lam Sir 

Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 22d. Feby 

Minute The Intellce. reed, this, was reed, also Mr. 
Graves's Lre dated 29 Jan & which Copies were | sent 
to Ld. G. G. 3 Feby. 



C553 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A 
[ LIEUTENANT HUNTER TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES ] 

\. ^"^ Weathersfield, Connecticut i6th. Deer. 1775. 

I have the misfortune to inform you, that I was taken 
Prisoner at St. Johns with Thirteen more belonging to 
His Majesty's Brig Gaspee; Ten Seamen are quartered 
at Canaan, and myself and Officers are in this Place- 
As to particulars I am not permitted to Write; and I 
am, Sir, with respect. 

Your most obedient Servant, 

Signed, WiLLM. HUNTER 
Admiral Graves. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Lieut. | Hunter of the 
Gaspee | Brig to Vice Adml. Graves; | Dated i6th. 
Decemr. 1775— j 3. | In V. Adml. Shuldham's | letter 
of 28 Janry. 1776. 



Enclosure B 

[ COMMISSIONER ARBUTHNOT^ TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES ] 

^. ^^' Halifax Jaiiry 15th.— 1776.— 

oir. 

In obedience to Orders, the Somerset and Roebuck 

sailed the 14th. Instant, the former for England, the 

1 Marriot Arbuthnot, Commissioner of the Navy at Halifax, N. S., 
from 1775 to 1778, and Commander-in-Chief on the North American 
Station in 1779. 

-^ 1:563 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

latter for a private Station, by which the Sea Force re- 
maining at this Port for the defence of the Yard are the 
Cerberus, and Savage Sloop, the former dismantled 
alongside the Wharfe, in order to repair the Damage 
she has sustained by running twice on different Rocks, 
which I shall use every possible means to Effect altho' 
the inclemency of the Season is such at present as makes 
it doubtful, which if it continues will lay me under the 
disagreeable necessity of replaceing her Ballast and 
Guns in order to make the best defence our feeble state 
will permit, if the Rebels should pay us a Visit. 

I am sorry to say that the Garrison is not only very 
Weak, not more than 500. Many just recruited from the 
Newfoundland Fishery, but is very Sickly, nor have we 
a single Work erected, nor can be untill Spring, which 
I hope will not be too late, I am therefore under the 
necessity to say unless such Force is sent, by sending 
Two Deck Ships, to command the heights about the 
Yard, as well as the labour of the Crews to assist in Bar- 
racading the Yard, for no other have I, or shall have, 
either to make it defencible, or to defend it in case of an 
Attack; because the whole of the Troops as I under- 
stand are to be employ'd on the Heights, without, in 
which case I am sure I cannot let them into the Yard, if 
they are defeated, because I most certainly will prevent 
by every means the Gate from being forced. 

This is a true state of this place which I think my 
Duty to lay before you for Your Consideration. 

I am 

Sir &ca. 
Mt. Arbuthnot 
Commandr. in Chief of His Majs. Ships, 

North America 

L57l 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Commisr. | Arbuthnot 
to Vice Adml. | Graves, dated Halifax | 15th. Janry 
1776— I 4 I In V. Adml. Shuldham's | letter of 28. 
Janry. 1776. 



Enclosure C 
[ CAPTAIN WALLACE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) ^ 

Rose at Rhode Island 14th. Janry 1776.— 

Sir, 

The Rebels having for some time past kept from one 
to two Hundred Men upon the Islands, to prevent our 
Supplies— and by a Law, making it Death for any one 
to Supply us, have put us to a great inconvenience, 
being much in want of Hay,— On Friday Morning the 

1 2th. Instant I stood up the Bay, with His Majesty's 
Ships Glasgow, Swan, and Tenders, in order to procure 
some.— At about 12 at Noon, being a breast of Pru- 
dence, we saw a Body of Armed Men, with a Field 
Piece, who followed us as we Sailed along. At the 
South end of the Island, I saw a Quantity of Hay, and 
determined to Land and Seize it, this they perceived, 
and set fire to the Stacks, and retired to their Stone 
Fences to oppose us, (every Field has stone Inclosures) — 
We landed beat them from fence to fence, for four 
Miles into their Country, firing and wasting the Coun- 
try as we advanced along; We burnt Twelve or Fifteen 
Farm Houses, took a great deal of Stock, when. Night 
coming on, we gave over the pursuit, and retired back 

[58: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

to our Ships, bringing with us the Stock. When we got 
back to our Boats, the People was fatigued and Cold, 
and fearing they might be Frost Bit, Ordered them to 
Embark and leave the Cattle behind 'till next Morn- 
ing—Next Morning we landed again to bring the Cat- 
tle off, but, during the Night, reinforcements of five or 
six hundred Men had been sent on, and drove the Cattle 
to the other extremity of the Island, and large Bodies of 
armed Rebels stood behind stone Fences to oppose us, — 
In this situation we contented ourselves with taking ofif 
some Haystacks in their sight, and Embarked our Men 
again. In the attack the first day, we killed two of their 
Men, and took two Prisoners, both of them Wounded, — 
with only three of our Men slightly Wounded. The 
next day, some of the Swans and Glasgow's Men, stray- 
ing too far from the Main Body, fell into an Ambush, 
and one Man of the Swan's was killed, two Mortally 
Wounded, and one Slightly — One Man of the Glas- 
gow's was Shot through the Thigh, and fell into the 
hands of the Rebels, and one slightly wounded. Our 
loss would have been less, had our People have had less 
Spirit. — The Country is kept in Alarm all round. 
I am, 

Sir, &ca. 

Signed, JAS. WALLACE 
Rear Admiral Shuldham &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Captn. | Wallace to 
Rear Admiral | Shuldham, dated Rose, at | Rhode 
Island 14th. Janry 1776— | 5 | In V. Adml. Shuld- 
ham's I letter of 28 Janry. 1776. 



[593 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure D 
[ INTELLIGENCE FROM RHODE ISLAND ] 

Intelligence from Rhode Island the 21st Janry 1776. 
Says, 

That the Morning of the 31st. Ulto. the Rebels Army 
Commanded by Montgomery attempted to get Posses- 
sion of Quebec by Escalade, but were repulsed with the 
loss (by their own Accounts) of 70 killed on the Spot, 
and 300 taken Prisoners within the Walls. Among the 
Dead are General Montgomery and his Aid De Camp 
— Colonel Arnold wounded in the Thigh, but not a 
Prisoner— Major Green, of Varnum's Regiment, a 
Prisoner and many other Officers Killed and Wounded. 

N.B. This account from Genl. Wooster to Govr. 
Trumbull. 

That the Congress had order'd 30 Ships to be built, 
and ready for Sea by the ist. of April, force, from 20 to 
36 Guns^— All the Carpenters in this part of the Coun- 
try (Vizt. Newport) are gone to Providence to assist in 
building Two Ships, that are ordered to be got ready 
there, one of 28 the other of 32 Guns.^ 

That the Rebel Army about Boston, consists of about 
12,000 Men, and that General Lee was gone to New 
York. 

That a Detachment from the King's Forces (under 
command of Lord Dunmore) Commanded by Captain 

1 Reference is apparently made to the law passed on December 13th, 
1775. which provided for the construction of thirteen vessels, to 
carry 32, 28, and 24 guns. 

2 The Providence and the Warren. 

C603 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Fordyce, attacked a Party of the Rebels in their In- 
trenchments near the great Bridge at Norfolk, in which 
Captain Fordyce was killed on the Spot, and the De- 
tachment lost 90 or 100 Men killed and taken Prisoners. 
That Lord Dunmore with the Main Body of his Army, 
had retreated to the Ships, and had Cannonaded the 
Town of Norfolk.— 

Signed J AS. Wallace 

Endorsed Captain Wallace's Intelligence | from Rhode 
Island the | 21st. January ijjb.— | 6 I In V. Adml. 
Shuldham's | letter of 28th. Janry. 1776 



C^O 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE ADMIRALTY TO 
VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^] 

By&c. 

Whereas we think fit that the Complements of His 
Majestys Ships under your command of the following 
Classes shall be increased to the Number of Men set out 
against each ; You are hereby required & directed to 
cause their Complements to be increased to those Num- 
bers accordingly, directing their Captains to bear them 
until further Orders. 

Guns Men 

44 288 

32 220 

28 200 

24&20 160 

16 & 14 Sloops . . . 125 

10 . do no 

8 . do 80 



Given &c. 29th. J any 1776 



To 



Sandwich 

J BULLER 

H. Palliser 



Molineux Shuldham Esqr. &c. &c 
No. America 
By&c 
GJDS 

^ Admiraltj'^ Records, Secretary's Department, Orders and Instruc- 
tions, vol. 100, p. 379. 

C62] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM' ] 

23 rd. Febry. 1776 
Sir 

Lord George Germain having in his Letter of the 
17th. Instant signified the Kings Pleasure that the 
Transports which are now in North America, or may 
be hereafter sent thither, be put under the direction of 
the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships of 
War, With Authority either to return or discharge 
them as he shall think fit; I am commanded by my 
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you 
therewith for your information and government; And 
that the Commissioners of the Navy have Orders to 
direct their several Agents to follow your directions 
accordingly. 

But in the Orders you may give respecting the said 
Transports, it is their Lordships directions that you do 
take Care to detain such a Number as shall, under all 
Events, be necessary for the removal of His Majesty's 
Troops from place to Place as the Commander in Chief 
of those Troops shall think necessary and proper. I 
am, &c, 

Geo. Jackson DS 
Vice Adml. Shuldham, at Boston 
By the Greyhound at Spithead 
Duplicate sent 29 March To Mr. Pownall 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 161. 



1:633 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Boston 25th. Febry 1776. 
Sir,' 

Herewith I enclose to you a Copy of a Letter I re- 

/ceived yesterday from Mr. John Wentworth Governor 

of New Hampshire, together with a Copy of One from 

/that Gentleman to Vice Admiral Graves, also Copy of 

/a Letter I lately received from Mr. Phillips Callbeck 

//His Majesty's Attorney General of the Island of Saint 

John's, and my Answers thereto, which I submit to their 

Lordships Consideration and am, 

Sir 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M: SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed R | 2 May 



Enclosure A 

[ GOVERNOR WENTWORTH TO VICE ADMIRAL 
SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Boston, 24th. February 1776.— 

Sir, 

I beg leave to inclose herewith a Copy of the Letter, 
which I did myself the honor of mentioning to you 
lately to have written to Admiral Graves relative to the 

1:643 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

State of New Hampshire; — By several Accounts from 
that Province I learn that the People are making many 
Preparations and daily erecting Works of Strength on 
the different Islands at the Mouth of Piscataqua River, 
where a Body of Troops is kept up to obstruct and pre- 
vent Access for the King's Ships that Way, the only 
navagable Inlet, into the Province; That they had en- 
tirely subverted His Majesty's Authority and proceeded 
to establish and administer a new mode of Government 
of their own Formation, enforcing Obedience to their 
Measures by Violence and Outrage on the Persons and 
Properties of Individuals, who, if not acquiescing in 
Rebellion, are unavoidably exposed to destructive Re- 
sentments, being wholly destitute of any Protection or 
Defence, of which Circumstance the Rebels have also 
availed themselves in fitting out Armed Vessels from 
Portsmouth to commit Depredations on the Transports 
bound for Boston. 

Permit me. Sir, to assure you of my utmost Attention 
and Readiness toward restoring the King's Authority in 
that Government, and Zeal to apply every Effort and 
Means in my Power to give Facility to any Operations 
undertaken for that Purpose. 

I have the Honor to be with great respect and 
Esteem, 

Sir, &ca. | J : Wentworth 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Govr. Wentworth to 
Rear | Admiral Shuldham | relative to the State of \ the 
Province of New | Hampshire, Dated | Boston 24th. 
Feby. 1776.— | In V. A. Shuldham's | 25 febry. | i. 



l(>sl 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure B 
[ GOVERNOR WENTWORTH TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES ] 

Copy of a Letter from Governor Wentworth to 
Admiral Graves. 

Boston 24th. November 1775. 
Sir, 

By late Advices which I have received from the Earl 
of Dartmouth, his Lordship informs Me that Measures 
were pursuing for augmenting the Fleet in North 
America, and that you would be instructed to exert the 
most vigorous Efforts for suppressing the Rebellion 
now openly avowed and supported in this Country that 
the Commanders of His Majesty's Ships should be di- 
rected to receive on Board, and give Protection to any 
Officers of the Crown, who may be compelled by the 
Violence of the people to seek for such an Assylum, and 
to proceed as in the Case of a Town in actual Rebellion 
against such of the Sea Port Towns, being accessible to 
His Majesty's Ships, as should offer any Violence to the 
King's Officers or in which any Troops should be raised 
or Military Works erected, other than by His Majesty's 
Authority, or any attempts made to Seize or plunder 
any public Magazines of Arms and Ammunition. 
After the many communications which I have already 
had the honor to make to you relative to the Proceed- 
ings and transactions of the People in the Province of 
New Hampshire which obliged Me to take refuge here, 
further repetitions must at this time be needless to shew 
how deeply they are in general unhappily engaged in 
this unnatural Rebellion;— The great advantages which 

1:66] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the natural situation of Pi^cataqua Harbor gives to the 
Rebels having already encouraged them, as I am well in- 
formed, tocarrytheirFrenzytosogreataheight as to erect 
several Batteries on different Eminences commanding 
the River to annoy the King's Ships, it is very manifest, 
considering the Spirit prevailing in the Country, that a 
strong Force will be necessary to reduce and hold pos- 
session of the Harbor; — Such a Measure however, if 
effected, would, it is hoped, very much check their 
presumption, answer other good purposes conformable 
to His Majesty's intentions, and probably enable Me to 
maintain a Residence in the Province to Execute His 
Majesty's Commands as far as in my Power. 

Whenever it shall be your pleasure to adopt any plan 
of proceeding with regard to that Province, as it is My 
duty so shall it be my most hearty desire to exert every 
endeavour and Employ every means in my Power to 
aid and Support all such Operations as you may think 
proper to undertake for executing His Majesty's Orders 
and restoring the Authority of His Government, and be 
very happy to embark the first Opportunity of going to 
the Province whenever you think it expedient to send a 
sufficient Force there to Command Possession of Pisca- 
taqua River. I have the honor to be with great respect 
and Esteem. 

Sir I Your most Obedient 
and Most humble Servant | J : Wentworth 

Saml. Graves Esqr. Vice Admiral of the White 
&ca. &ca. &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Governor Went- 
worth to ! Admiral Graves, Dated | Boston 2/\h. No- 
vember 1775. I In V. A. Shuldham's | of the 25 febry. | 2 

C673 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure C 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO GOVERNOR 
WENTWORTH ] 

Copy Boston 25th. February 1776. 

Sir," 

I have the honor of your Excellency's Letter of Yes- 
terday's Date, relative to the State of the Province of 
New Hampshire under your Government, together 
with a Copy of a Letter you had lately wrote to Vice 
Admiral Graves on that Subject; in the former of 
which you are pleased to "Assure me of your utmost 
"Attention and readiness towards restoring the King's 
"Authority in that Province, as well as your Zeal to 
"apply every effort and means in your power to give 
"Facility to any Operations for that purpose" ; In An- 
swer to which I am sorry to Acquaint you of my present 
inability to Co-operate with you in so usefuU and neces- 
sary an undertaking, from the very small Force and 
bad Condition of the Ships now under my Command, 
which are hardly Sufficient to Guard this Port, and pre- 
vent the Supplies coming to it falling into the hands of 
the Rebels, whose Privateers are numerous and dayly 
increasing, I must therefore be Obliged to defer under- 
taking an Expedition against Piscataqua, where you 
say a strong Force will be necessary to reduce and hold 
possession of the Harbour, at least 'til the Arrival of a 
Reinforcement from Europe, which if consistent with 
the other Services I am Ordered to Execute, I shall 
very willingly employ for the important Purposes you 
mention, namely, the Reduction of the Rebels to a Sense 

[68] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

of their Duty, the Restoration of the King's Authority 
in the Province of New Hampshire, and the Re-estab- 
lishment of your Excellency in that Seat of Govern- 
ment, which you have so long filled with Honor to 
yourself, and so much to the Satisfaction of His Maj- 
esty and His Ministers. I have the honor to be, 

Your Excellency's 

most Obedient and 
very Humble Servant 
M. Shuldham 
His Excellency Governor Wentworth 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Rear Adml. Shuld- 
ham to I Governor Wentworth | Dated 25 Febry 1776. | 
In Vice Admiral | Shuldham's of the | 25 febry. | 3 



Enclosure D 

[ PHILLIPS CALLBECK TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Halifax loth. January 1776.— 

Sir, 

I beg Leave to acquaint you, that on the Seventeenth 
November last, two Privateers belonging to Beverly, 
one of them Armed with Six Six Pounders, the other 
four Six Pounders, and each of them with a number of 
Swivels, and Seventy five Men, Arrived at Charlotte 
Town, the Capital of His Majesty's Island of St. John 
(where I reside as Commander in Chief, the Governor 
being absent on Leave:) and immediately made Prepa- 
rations to fire on the Town, at the same time their Com- 

1:69: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

manders with armed Partys landed.— Not having 
heard that the Colonys had fitted out Privateers, I 
judged them to be Pirates, and by their Conduct they 
were Actually such. Therefore in order to preserve the 
Town from being burnt, I determined Singly to face 
them, not having force of any kind to make resistance. 
Upon their landing they made me Prisoner, and in- 
stantly conveyed me on board one of the Privateers; 
after which they proceeded to to commit the most 
wanton and flagrant Outrages on Governor Paterson's 
and my House, possessed themselves of the whole of my 
Property, after which made a Prisoner of a Mr. Wright 
one of the Council, and then Sailed for New England. 
We landed at Winter Harbour, and proceeded to Cam- 
bridge, where, upon relating our distresses to Mr. 
Washington, our being torn from our Families in the 
most cruel manner, and I being robbed of all I had, he 
thought proper to release us, and I am thus far in my 
way back to re-assume the Government. The reason, 
they assigned for their Conduct, was, that I had re- 
cruited for the King's Army, and sent the People, I got, 
to the assistance of Quebec. 

Prior to their attacking the Island they had remained 
in the Gut of Canso sometime, during which they took 
five Vessels laden with Fish, and in their return they 
took three more, without meeting with the least oppo- 
sition. 

I have taken the Liberty, Sir, to trouble you with this 
detail, in order to excuse my observing that if there had 
been last Summer, a Frigate, cruizing as usual in the 
Gulph of St. Lawrence, our Persons and Property, and 
the unfortunate Owners of the Vessels before men- 
tioned, would have been secured against the hostile 
Depredations, we have had the misfortune to experi- 

1701 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

ence ; at the same time to make my most earnest request, 
that you will be pleased to order a Frigate to be as early 
as possible in the Spring at the Island, and to remain 
there as long as the Season will permit; Otherwise the 
Gentlemen belonging to His Majesty's Government and 
Myself will be under the disagreeable necessity of de- 
parting from our duty, and abandoning our Fortunes, 
most of which have been expended on the Island in 
Improvements. To take this Step, Sir, will naturally 
occur to you to be very disagreeable to us; Yet our 
Preservation so much depends upon being secured in 
the manner I have made free to point out, that unless 
you are pleased to give me hopes that our Request for 
Protection will be granted, we certainly shall, as I have 
said before, be obliged early in the Spring, to take the 
sad alternative of seeking an Assylum else where. 

I am to observe. Sir, that if you should be pleased to 
grant my request, it will not only be a means of making 
us happy in being secured, but it will also prevent the 
Rebels from making an Acquisition of Sixteen Nine 
Pounders, one eight Inch Mortar, some Cannon ball, 
and Grape Shot, which are now at Fort- Amherst, at the 
entrance of Port la Joye— If there were no other 
Temptations for making a second Visit, the Object of 
gaining this Artillery, would to them be a sufficient In- 
ducement, not to Add the Gratification of their avowed 
revengefull Disposition (on those who in a manner 
assist the Crown:) by ruining several Gentlemen's Set- 
tlements, their Tenantry and others on the Island. 
These Gentlemen were Inhabitants, but stimulated by 
Loyalty to His Majesty, immediately enter'd his Ser- 
vice, and have taken ofif Recruits, all of whom are now 
on Duty in dififerent parts of America. 

There was a Circumstance took place while I was 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Prisoner, which I think my Duty to communicate to 
you. A Transport from London called the Jenny, Cap- 
tain William Foster, was taken by a Privateer, who 
decoyed her by an Imitation of one of the King's Armed 
Schooners. The Master after he found his mistake, 
threw over board his Pocket book in which he had the 
Signals. This he did five Leagues from the Coast. In 
two days afterwards, I saw the Pocket book, which 
was found a Shore. Of Course the Rebels are in Pos- 
session of the Signals. 

I am sensible. Sir, that your Vigilance in your im- 
portant Station, inclines you to procure every necessary 
Information, and that you will not think I too far en- 
croach on your time (while (as a faithfull servant of the 
Crown) I endeavor as briefly as possible, to communi- 
cate to you a few Observations I made, while I was in 
New-England : The trade they carried on, surprised me 
exceedingly. At most of the Ports east of Boston, while 
I passed, and re-passed, there were daily Arrivals from 
the West-Indies, but most from Saint Eustatia; every 
one brings more or less Gun-Powder. Some Vessels 
had Sailed, Numbers were fitting out, loaded with Fish, 
Lumber, and some with Specie, all I believe bound for 
the West Indies, and Saint Eustatia. At Portsmouth 
there were four ready to Sail, at Sachs two Brigs. I 
suppose they will be on their return in March, and most 
of them will bring Gun-Powder. At Cape Ann, Mar- 
ble head and Beverly, they have Forts, and now some 
Powder; the second is a stong one. Salem and New- 
berry have Vessels sunk, so, as to confine the Channel 
to a narrow Pass. Portsmouth has the same, besides a 
boom and three strong Forts. From Portsmouth to 
Casco every harbour and Creek has some insignificant 

172-} 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Redoubt, Logwall, or other defence, and upon the least 
alarm, the Country People come in, but from their ap- 
pearance and Preparation, I should imagine their stand 
would be of short duration. 

I have nothing further to add, but my Request that 
you will be pleased to favour me with an Answer di- 
rected to this place, where I shall wait for it, and that I 
have the honor to be with great respect. 

Sir, &ca. 

., . , ^, ,,, Phill: Callbeck. 

Admiral Shuldham. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Phillips | Callbeck 
Esqr. Attorney | General of the Island of | St. John, to 
Rear Admiral | Shuldham. | Dated Halifax lo Jany. 
1776. I In V. A. Shuldhams | of the 25 febry | 4. 



Enclosure E 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILLIPS CALLBECK ] 

.^P^ Boston 6th. February 1776 

oir, 

I am favor'd with your Letter from Halifax of the 
loth. January and take the earliest Opportunity to com- 
miserate your Sufferings and to Assure you and all the 
Inhabitants of the Island of St. John's of my Attention 
and hearty Inclination to afiford them every Protection 
the Naval force I have the honor to Command will 
allow. 

To promise an immediate complyance with your Re- 
quest of having a Frigate at your Port early in the 

1:73] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Spring is what I am afraid I shall not be able to per- 
form as it must wholly depend upon the Arrival of the 
remainder of the Force ordered to join me, a circum- 
stance which the uncertainty of a Winter's Voyage to 
this boisterous Climate makes extremely precarious. It 
is therefore not in my power to do more than repeat my 
Assurances of granting you all the Protection the Naval 
Force under my Command and the exigency of Afifairs 
will allow, as I am at this time applyed to for the Pro- 
tection of four or five Frigates for various and Neces- 
sary Services upon this Continent, which I am not Able 
to comply with. 

I am sorry to find from your Account, which Corre- 
sponds with many others I dayly receive that the Rebels 
enjoy so flourishing a trade along the Eastern Coast, and 
indeed they have been too successul upon every part 
of it, as well as with their Privateers. But I persuade 
myself a numerous Fleet with the Intelligence and Co- 
operation I may expect from the friends of Govern- 
ment, will enable me to form such a Plan for the 
ensueing Operations as will put a speedy Stop to their 
progress. 

I wish you a safe return to Charlotte Town, and the 
re-establishment of your tranquility which I shall en- 
deavour to promote by all Means in my power. 

I am. 

Sir 
Your most Obedient and 
very Humble Servant 

M. Shuldham 

Philips Callbeck Esqr. His Majestys Attorney Genl. 
of the Island of Saint John 

1:743 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
Endorsed Copy | of a Letter from Rear Adml. | Shuld- 
ham, to Phillips | Callbeck Esqr. His Majesty's | At- 
torney General of the | Island of St. John | Dated 6th. 
February 1776. | In V. A. Shuldhams. | of the 25 
febry | 5. 



im 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS] 

Duplicate 

Chatham Boston 26th. February 1776. 
Sir 

I acquainted you in my last that on the 27th. of Janu- 
ary, a few days previous to the departure of Admiral 
Graves, who Sailed the 2d. instant, I took upon me the 
Command of His Majesty's Squadron in North Amer- 
ica, and finding upon enquiry a great Scarcity of Naval, 
as well as Ordnance Stores at this place, belonging to 
the King, and few or none of either to be purchased but 
at the most extravagant Prices, I thought it the first part 
of my Duty to dispatch a Transport under Convoy of 
an Armed Vessel to Halifax, to bring a Supply of both 
kinds of those Stores, on which Service they Sailed 
from hence the i ith. Instant. 

On the 13th. Instant an Advice Boat belonging to 
General Howe Arrived here from that Port, and 
brought me a Letter from Captain Hudson of His Maj- 
esty's Ship Orpheus with the satisfactory Account of his 
Arrival there, tho' in a very shattered Condition, to- 
/gether with one from Capt. Bromedge of the Savage 
/Sloop (Copies of both which accompany this) and the 
latter informing me of the Seizure of Two Vessels 
laden with Naval Stores, which tho' perhaps legally 
cleared out in England, were certainly designed to Sup- 
ply the Rebellious Inhabitants of the American Col- 
onies, as the Owners and Claimants of both of them are 
reported here to be notorious and principal inflamers 
of the present unhappy Rebellion, as a confirmation of 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

/which I transmit to you Sir, herewith, a Copy of a Let- 
ter to me from General Howe on that Subject, and shall 
be glad to receive through You His Majesty's or their 
Lordships pleasure, with regard to these two Vessels, as 
well as to Thirty Six More, Seized and detained by Vice 
Admiral Graves's Orders and now lying in this Har- 
bour under similar Circumstances, Application having 
been made to me lately, by the Agents, for my direction 

/relating to them. Copy of whose Letter I send you here- 
with. 

In a former Letter I took the liberty of recommend- 
ing to their Lordships through You, that all Supplies 
to this Country might be sent in Armed Vessels, I mean 
such as our old Forty Gun Ships with only their upper 
Tier of Guns, for however Numerous our Cruizers may 
be, or however attentive our Officers to their Duty, it 
has been found impossible to prevent some of our 
Ordnance and other valuable Stores in small Vessels 
falling into the hands of the Rebels; and here I must 
take occasion to say that in the Course of my Service I 
never found Officers perform their Duty with so much 
perseverance and Vigilance as Ours, on this important 
Service, indeed, the firmness with which they have 
resisted the rigour of this long and Severe Winter, in 
constantly keeping the Sea on their respective Stations, 
is uprecedented and incredible; at the same time I 
must beg leave to observe to you the very few Ships I 
am provided with to enable Me to Co-operate with the 
Army, Cruize off the Ports of the Rebels to prevent 
their receiving Supplies, or protect those destined to 
this place from falling into their hands, and as it must 
be the first and principal object of my Consideration I 
have not been able yet to comply with their Lordship's 

1:773 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Order of the loth. October for sending a Vessel to Ber- 
muda for the safety and defence of the Ordnance Stores 
belonging to His Majesty at that Island, but intend 
sending the Nautilus Sloop on that Service immediately 
on her Arrival from her Cruize. 

I am, 

Sir, 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M: Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 



Enclosure A 

[ CAPTAIN HUDSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Orpheus, Halifax 31st. JaiTry 1776. 

Sir, 

With what reluctancy do I inform you that on the 
2 1 St. of November when I lost sight of the Chatham, I 
was on that day rendered to a state disagreeable indeed, 
by the total loss of all our principal Sails then bent, 
which was occasioned in some Measure by the Violence 
of the Wind, but more so by the badness of the Cordage 
and Iron Work that the Ship was equipt with, and to 
add to my Misfortunes, I lost on the 30th. of that 
Month our Fore and Main Masts, with all the re- 
mainder of the Essential Sails in the Ship, a fore, and 
foretopsail excepted. 

In this Condition I continued till I got Jury Masts 
erected, with a determined resolution to gain the Coast 

[78] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

of America, which I persevered in and happily at- 
tained on the 29th. Instant, and yesterday got into this 
port, where I shall exert every endeavor in my power to 
get the Ship re-established with her proper Materials 
in order to join you, in this I am convinced, that I shall 
be much assisted by Commodore Arbuthnot, who in 
truth gives assured proofs of his abilitys and expedition 
in forwarding the Service. 

I am happy to hear of your safe arrival at Boston, 
which place I shall repair to as soon as in my power. — 
Inclosed I send the State and Condition of the Orpheus, 
and believe me assuredly to be &ca. 

Charles Hudson 
Rear Admiral Shuldham &ca. &ca. 

Endorsed 25 febry 1776 | V. A. Shuldham | R 2 May | 
(5 Inclosures) 



Enclosure B 

[ CAPTAIN BROMEDGE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) _ 

Savage Sloop, Halifax 27th. Janury 1776— 
Sir, 

I Embrace this opportunity of transmitting to You, 
Copies of my last Orders from Vice Admiral Graves, 
by Captain Le Cras, and pursuant to those Orders, the 
i6th. Instant I boarded the Ship Nicholas of Boston, 
burthen 120 Tons, (by her Register) John White Mas- 
ter ( :but pretends to be no other than Super Cargo:) 

[79] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

from Petersburgh and Cowes, laden with Naval Stores, 
Iron, Hemp, Sail Duck, and light Canvas, all which 
was cleared out at Cowes for Halifax, as at Cowes I am 
informed, the Master could not Clear out for Salem, 
or Boston, where the Ships and Owners belong to, the 
19th. I boarded the Ship Boston Packet of Boston, 
burthen 140 Tons, James Shepherd Master, from 
Petersbourgh and Cowes, laden with the same kind of 
Cargo as the Ship Nicholas, but different Owners, as 
you will observe by the report herewith transmitted ; I 
beg leave, Sir, to observe to you, that there are no Rope 
Walks, nor any Consumption for those Two Cargoes in 
this place, nor in the Province, but a very easy, and even 
daily conveyance by small Coasting Vessels, from this 
place to New Liverpool and Cape Sable, from which 
places it is but a short way across the Bay of Fundy to 
the Continent of Massachusetts Bay &ca. &ca. and those 
Two Cargoes are Consigned to the Masters: Those two 
Ships sailed from Salem in December 1774 for Charles 
Town South Carolina, there loaded Rice for Cowes, 
and from thence proceeded for the Baltic; the Crews of 
both Ships Entered for my Ship, and I am informed by 
the Crew of the Boston Packet, that the Master De- 
clared repeatedly on the Passage, that, could he make 
Cape Codd, he would go in there and land his Cargo, 
or could he make Cape Ann, he did not fear meeting 
with some of his Friends, to carry him into Beverly or 
Salem, but the Wind hanging to the Southward, he 
with difficulty made this Harbour: I am firmly of 
Opinion, that if I have the delivering and Searching 
those Two Ships, I shall find more than is in their 
Clearance from Cowes; I shall be extremely happy to 
know your pleasure respecting those Vessels likewise 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Vessels from the French West India Islands with 
Melasses, and with Salt from Spain and Portugal &ca. 
as this place is now made the Magazine and Repository 
which is easily transported to the Continent. 

I am, 

Sir, &ca. 

Hugh Bromedge. 
Commander in Chief of His Majesty's 
Ships and Vessels in North America &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Capt. Bromedge to 
Rear | Admiral Shuldham. | Dated Savage, Halifax | 
27 January 1776. | with one inclosure | In V. A. Shuld- 
ham's I Lre of 26 Febry | 2. 



CSi] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Copy 



An Account of Ships and Vessels Seized or Taken b} 





Where 


Names of the 




When Seized 
or Taken 


Vessels 


Masters 


Owners and 
where be- 
longing 


From Whence 


1776 

Januarj'^ i6th 


Halifax- 


Nicholas, Ship 


Jno. White 


Thos.Boilston 
Boston 

Ship Ni 
Signed, 


Petersburgh and Cowe 
cholas's Cargo as ^r. 

Hugh Bromedge 


1776 
January 19th 


Halifax 


Boston Packet 


Jas. Shepherd 


Wm. Denny 
Boston 

Ship Boston 


Petersburgh and Cowe 
Packet's Cargo as ^r. 

Signed Hug 



Endorsed Accot. of Ships & | Vessels Seized | In Captn 



1:82] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



lis Majesty's Ship Savage Hugh Bromedge Esqr. Commander 



Where 


Lading 


respectin 


g the Crew and Passengers 


Bound 


Names 


Qualities 


Where Born 


all fax 


Bars of Iron 1652 


Nathl. Atkins 


Mate 


Cape Cod 




Bales of Hemp no 


Thos. Martin 
Prest - - - 


Boatsn. 


Devonsh : Engld. 
Married in Salem 




Matts of Sail Duck 500 Two 


Davd. Campbell 


Ab 


Scotland Voir. 


eport - - 


Bolts each Matt 1000 


Chas. Noble 


Ab 


Philadelphia Do. 




Bales of light Canvas, 20 


Richd. Goddard 


Ab 


Sussex Engld. Do. 






Josh. Douglas 


Ab 


Scotland - - Do. 






Php. Williams 


Ab 


Liverpool Eng.Do. 






Wm. Ridsdle 


Ab 


Bristol Engd. Do. 






Medcalf 










VVm. Haynes 


Ab 


Port Glasgow Do. 


alifax 


Bars of Iron - - 2158 


Thos. Seon 


Mate 


Maryland 




Bales of Hemp - - 103 


Geo. Love 


Ab 


London Voir. 




Matts of Sail Duck 268 Two 


Jas. Sawyer 


Carpenter 


Cape Ann Do. 


;port - - 


Bolts each Matt 536 


Php. Sullivan 


Ab 


Cork in Ireld. Do. 




Sundry Bales of light 


Ch. Gustavus 
Scot 


Ab 


Sweden Do. 




Russia Sail Cloth 


Josh. Perkins 


Ab 


Portuguese 16 yrs. 
in the Eng: Service 






Jno. Williams 


Ab 


Do. Do. 






Jno. Dixon 


Ab 


Co. Durham Do. 


•omedge 




Thos. Glover 


Cook 


Cape Ann 



omedge's | to V. A. Shuldham | In V. A. Shuldham's | of the 26 Febry | 3. 



I83I 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure C 

[ GENERAL HOWE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Boston i6th. February 1776. 

Sir, 

I am favor'd with Copies of Captain Bromedge's 
Letter, and an Account of the Cargoes on board the 
Ships Nicholas and Boston Packet, the Properties of 
Thomas Boilston and William Denny of this Town. 

Admitting it should appear that the Laws of Trade 
have not been infringed, yet the Probability of these 
Stores being smiggled away to the Enemy if not 
prevented, makes me think it highly proper that they 
should be detained: I am more particularly led to this, 
William Denny having been guilty of notorious Trea- 
son, and Thomas Boilston's Principles of Loyalty much 
to be doubted. 

Your superior Judgment in Affairs of this nature, 

coming more particularly under your own Department, 

does not require this Intrusion of my private Opinion, 

which I flatter myself you will excuse, as proceeding 

from that Regard and Esteem wherewith I have the 

Honor to be most sincerely. Sir, &ca. 

A/r , 01- iju -c^ W: Howe 

Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. 

Rear Admiral of the White &ca. &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | General Howe to 
Rear | Admiral Shuldham | signifying his Opinion | on 
the detention of Two I Ships with Naval Stores | at 
Halifax.— | Dated 16 Febry 1776. | In V. A. Shuld- 
hams I of 26 Febry | 4. 

:84] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure D 

[ RICHARD LECHEMERE AND ALEXR. BRYMER TO 
VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Boston, i6th. February 1776. 

Sir, 

Having already had the Honor of acquainting you 
of our Appointment, by Samuel Graves Esqr. Vice Ad- 
miral of the White, to be Agents or Factors for selling 
such Vessels and Cargoes, as have been brought into 
this Harbour by His Majesty's Ships of War, and are 
either deemed Rebel Property, or v^anted for the use of 
the Garrison, and having laid our whole Proceedings 
before you, which we flatter ourselves have met your 
Approbation; we now beg leave to furnish and inclose 
you the State and Condition of the Vessels and Cargoes 
in our Charge, and to request that you would be pleased 
to have Reference to Admiral Graves's Order to us on 
that Head, which empowers us not only to take charge 
of the Vessels mentioned in it, but likewise of such 
others as we may find in the Harbour, not owned by 
People residing in this Town, agreeable to which we 
have added, all that have come to our knowledge in the 
List now presented. 

And as he empowers and orders us discretionally to 
sell Vessels or Cargoes that are liable either to Perish 
or to be embezzled, and as we humbly conceive the In- 
clemency of the Weather has opened the Seams of the 
sides and Decks, that most or all the Cargoes, are sub- 
ject to Perish, and as most of the Vessels have been 
Stript of their Sails, Cables, Anchors and small Stores, 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

and in general have not Sufficient Ground Tackle to 
Moor them, this added to our Inabillity to procure a 
sufficient number of Men to take care of them, we there- 
fore think it incumbent upon us to acquaint you there- 
with, and to pray your Directions for our future 
Conduct respecting them; and to offer it to your Opin- 
ion, whether it would not be better, under their present 
Circumstances, that the Cargoes that are in Danger of 
suffering be sold, for the Benefit of Government or who 
ever may be proved to be the Proprietors. We have the 
Honor to be. 

Sir, &ca. 

RiCHD. Lechemere. 

Alexr. Brymer. 
Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. 

Rear Admiral of the White &ca. &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Messrs. Lechmere 
and Brymer | to Rear Admiral Shuldham | Dated i6 
Feby. 1776. | with one Inclosure. | In V. A. Shuld- 
hams I of the 26 Febry | 5 



[86] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Boston 27th. February 1776.— 
Sir, 

A few days ago I applied to General Howe, signify- 
ing my Opinion that the great Supplies of Provisions 
and Refreshments sent out by Government to this Coun- 
try were intended for the use of His Majesty's Fleet and 
Army agreeable to your Letter to Vice Admiral Graves 
of the 26th. of September last on that subject, and here- 
with I think it my Duty to transmit to You, the Friendly 
///but Official Letters which passed between the General 
and Me relating to those Supplies, that Their Lord- 
ships may be undeceived in any supposition they may 
entertain of His Majesty's Fleet having received any 
greater Share of His Royal Bounty in that great and 
Extensive Donation, than the Quantity of about Fifty 
Butts of Porter. I am, 

Sir, 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M. SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed R 2d. May. 

(Copy) 
Extract of a Letter from Lord Dartmouth to Major 
General Howe, Dated Whitehall 22d. Septemr. 1775. 

"I also enclose to you a Copy of the State of the Ships 
^'taking Stores and Provisions for the use of the Army, 
"together with a Copy of my Letter to the Lords of the 
"Admiralty thereupon." 

1^71 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO GENERAL HOWE ] 

Copy. Boston 24th. February 1776. 

Sir, 

Herewith I have the honor of transmitting to you, a 

/Copy of a Letter from Mr. Stephens Secretary to the 
Admiralty, to Vice Admiral Graves relative to the 
Provisions and Supplies sent out by Government for the 
Use of His Majesty's Forces in America, and as it ap- 
pears by that Letter, that His Majesty's Naval Forces 

/are entitled to an equal Proportion of the Cargoes of 
the Vessels in the annexed List, as the Troops under 
your Excellency's Command, I think it my indispen- 
sible Duty to beg the favor you will please to give such 
directions as you may think proper for the distribution 
of those Supplies. I am with great respect and Esteem. 
&ca. 

M : SHULDHAM. 

His Excellency the Honble General Howe, &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Rear | Adml. Shuld- 
ham to Genl. Howe | relative to the Provisions and | 
Refreshments sent out by | Government for the Use of 
His I Majs. Fleet and Forces in North | America, dated 
Boston 24th. Feby. 1776. | wth. Two Inclosures. | In 
V. A, Shuldham's letter | 27. Feb. 1776 | i 



[88: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure B 

[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO VICE ADMIRAL GRAVES ] 

Copy Admiralty Office 26th. Septemr. 1775 — 

Sir, 

I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty to send you herewith a List of the several 
Ships and Vessels taken up to carry Stores Provisions 
/and live Stock to North America for the use of His 
Majesty's Fleet and Forces in those Parts, and am to 
signify their Lordships direction to you in pursuance of 
His Majesty's pleasure signified to them by the Earl of 
Dartmouth to station some of the small Ships under 
your command in such situations as to fall in with them 
upon their coming upon the Coast with Orders to their 
Captains to see them safely into Port, a precaution 
which will be more particularly necessary in case His 
Majesty's Army shall remove from Boston to any other 
Station.— 

I am, &ca. 

Ph. Stephens. 
Vice Admiral Graves at Boston, 
(by the Centurion) 

Endorsed Admiralty Office 26th Sepr. 1775. | Copy of 
a Letter from | Mr. Stephens to | Vice Admiral Graves. | 
with one Inclosure | (A Copy) | In V. A. Shuldhams 
of I 27. Feb. 1776 I 2 



1:893 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure C 
[ LIST OF SHIPS CARRYING OUT STORES TO AMERICA ] 

Copy 

Thames David Lairdi Has onboard loi Chaldron 
Master j of Coals, 37 Tons of Pota- 

toes, 200 Butts of Porter, 
192 Bales of Hay, 60 Quar- 
ters of Oats, 22 Puncheons 
of Water, and will take on 
board to day 150 Sheep. 

Friendship . . . James Millar 

Irwin Smith 

Mary Robt. Reed 

Felicity Brun 

Britannia Jenkins 

Echo Moncur 

Price Frigate .... Fisher 
Fame .... Willm. Thornton 
Harriott . . . Wemyss Orrock 
Generous Planter .... Calf 

Prince Rupert Dear 

Reward Strivens 

Blue Mountain Valley . Dempster 

Eleanor Oswald 

Charming Nelly . . P. Millar 
Britannia .... Heskett Davis 
Rebeccah . . . Isaac Blackburn 
Britannia .... Martin White 
Generous Friend . Thos. Williams 

Aurora Geo. Hannell 

Nielson Harp 

Fanny Sinclair 

1:90: 



The Cargoes of those Ships 
will be nearly similar to 
that of the Thames, ex- 
cept that they will 
have a greater propor- 
tion of Coals and less 
Porter, and about half 
of them will have Hogs 
instead of Sheep. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

A farther List of about ten or twelve more Ships will 
be given in a day or two. 

Mure, Son, and Atkinson— 
London 23d. Septemr. 1775. 

Endorsed Copy | List of Ships carrying out | Stores to 
America. | In Letter to Vice Admiral | Graves of 26th. 
Sepr. 1775. I A Copy I 3 



Enclosure D 

[ GENERAL HOWE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Boston 25th. February 1776 

Sir, 

I have the Honor to Acknowledge the receipt of your 
Letter of Yesterday's Date, enclosing the Copy of a Let- 
ter from Mr. Stephens, Secretary to the Admiralty to 
Vice Admiral Graves, with a List of Ships taken up to 
carry out Stores, Provisions, and live Stock to North 
America, for the use of His Majesty's Fleet and Forces 
in those parts. 

Be assured. Sir, I have the strongest Disposition that 
the Fleet under your Command should share with the 
Army in every thing contributing to supply their Mu- 
tual or real Wants And that I should not wait for the 
Authority of Orders to direct Me in this respect where 
the smallest Necessity Appeared. But permit me to 
Observe, that from the first Intimation of His Majesty's 
gracious Intentions to send out Store Ships with Re- 
freshments and other Supplies, all the Advices relative 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

thereto from the Secretary of State, and from the 
Treasury uniformly Agreed, that they were designed 
"for the Use and Comfort of the Army", known to be 
Suffering from a Want of a Change of Diet, and of 
proper Food for the Number of Sick and Wounded, 
with which the Hospitals were Crowded after the Ac- 
tion on the 17th. June, and without any Prospect of 
Relief from this Quarter. In order to give you the 
fullest Satisfaction on this Head, I send enclosed Ex- 
tracts of several Letters received from the Lords Com- 
missioners of the Treasury before and after the Date of 
Mr. Stephens's Letter to Vice Admiral Graves, Marked 
No. I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, Also One No. 9 from Lord 
Dartmouth's Dispatch of 22d. September enclosing his 
Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty whereupon Mr. 
Stephens has founded his Suggestion in regard to the 
Stores &ca. Shipped for this Place, which may serve to 
put His Majesty's Pleasure in a clearer Point of View. 

But upon the receipt of a Letter from Vice Admiral 
Graves dated the 12th. January, enclosing a Copy of a 
Letter delivered to him by you (the same with the One 
now received) I ordered without Hesitation a Propor- 
tion of Porter to be delivered to the Fleet. The Car- 
goes that Arrived before were so reduced in the Voyage, 
and in so perishing a Condition, that they were mostly 
distributed among the Hospitals and Regiments as they 
came in, and were essentially Necessary for the Health 
of the Troops, who had been for some time without the 
small Species of Provisions usually issued. 

You will also be pleased to Observe that many of the 
Stores sent out were in consequence of an Inventory 
made by Colonel Robinson, Deputy Barrack master 
General, which, by pointing out the particular Wants 

C92] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

of the Army, gave rise to the Idea of their being Sup- 
plied in this Manner; and that many things were Ac- 
cordingly Ordered only applicable to the use of the 
Soldiery, Vizt. Blankets, Ruggs, Duffil, Oznaburgs, 
Watch Coats, Shoes, Hose, Thread &ca. &ca. not in 
Quantity Sufficient to bear a Division, but to be dis- 
posed of as I should see proper "for the use and Com- 
"fort of the Army". 

I flatter myself that you will do me the Justice to be- 
lieve that there is not any thing hereby designed as an 
Objection to Requisitions you may make on the part of 
the Fleet, but as it is meant, solely to explain the real 
matter of Right by Submitting the enclosed Papers to 
your Perusal. To evince the contrary, I shall be happy 
as far as it is in my power to relieve the immediate 
Wants of the Fleet under your Command, to which, I 
shall always be led no less by Inclination, than from a 
Sense of indispensible Duty. 
With the most perfect Respect and Esteem 
I have the Honor to be 
Sir 

Your most Obedient 
and most humble Servant 
W. Howe 

Endorsed Copy | Letter from Genl Howe to R. Adml. 
Shuldham relative | to the Provisions & refreshments | 
sent out by Government for the | use of His Majs. Fleet 
& Forces i in North America, dated | Boston 25th. 
Febry. 1776.— | with Eight Inclosures | 4 



1:93] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure E 

[ JOHN ROBINSON^ TO GENERAL HOWE ] 
(Copy) 
Extract) 

Whitehall Treasury Chambers 9th Septr. 1775 
Sir 

"As it is apprehended General Gage may have left 
Boston on a Leave of Absence to return to England be- 
fore this can Arrive in America: I am directed by the 
Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to 
acquaint you, it having been represented to them that 
Colonel James Robertson Barrack master General had 
applied to Messieurs John and George Erving Mer- 
chants at Boston, for the importing into Boston sundry 
Articles in the Schedule herein enclosed marked Letter 
A, for the Service and use of the Army, And that Mes- 
sieurs Ervings had directed their Correspondents here 
to execute such Commission which they had endeavored 
to do but could not: Their Lordships, altho' no Infor- 
mation thereon had been sent to them, thought it right 
to direct due enquiry to be made into this Business; and 
upon such Enquiry their Lordships have judged it ex- 
pedient to order such Stores to be provided : I am there- 
fore directed to Acquaint you, that several of the stores 
Mentioned in the Schedule A, are now Shipped Ac- 
cording to an Invoice marked Letter B, on board the 
Ship Friendship James Holmes Master, under Sailing 
Orders to go to Spithead, and from thence to come 
under Convoy of One of His Majesty's Ships of War,' 
consigned to the Order of the Officer Commanding His 

^ Secretary of the Treasury. 

1:943 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Majesty's Forces at Boston or elsewhere, as he shall 
direct her to proceed, And as will appear by the Charter 
Party, a Copy of which shall be sent by the Ship— You 
will observe by my former dispatches to General Gage 
of the 30th. June and 26th. July last, and by the Re- 
marks on the Schedule A, that the Articles of Coals and 
Oats had been before provided by the Board. 

"Their Lordships having since taken into Considera- 
tion what may be further wanted for the Army, have 
Ordered Thirty Watch-Coats to be sent out for the use 
of each Battalion, and for Twenty Battalions, which 
will come by the same Ship, And have also Ordered the 
different Articles in the Paper Marked Letter C, to be 
provided with all possible Expedition. This last Order 
is not so forward as to enable Me to inform you more 
particularly than I have endeavored to do by the Re- 
marks in the Paper C, but I hope soon to do it." 

Major General Howe 

Endorsed (Copy) | Extract of a Letter from | John 
Robinson Esqr. | 9th. September 1775 | No. i | 5 



Enclosure F 

(Copy) A 

Account of the several Goods and Stores which were 
desired to be sent out by Colonel Robertson. 
4,000 pair of Blankets, six feet wide, & Seven feet long, 
if to be had soon, if not a full %. They must be 

n9s3 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

troilled if to be had, if not, plain; to be course yet 

strong and well milled. 
1,000 pair Blankets % such as is used for the Army. 
2,000 Ruggs %, with Thrumbs, to be coarse & Strong 

and no to exceed in price 9 or 10 Shillings. 
64,000 Ells of Oznabriggs, Two thirds to be as low as 

yd ^ Ell ; if to be had ; and the other Third to be still 

inferior, yet it must be strong and substantial. 

14 Boxes Tin Plates No. i— one third cross. 

13 Do. Do. No. 2 Do. 

13 Do. Do. No. 3 Do. 

10 Do. Do. Double. 

50 m Tinn'd Rivets. 
1,200 large Lanthorn Leaves. 

1600 Middle Do. 

1200 Small Do. 

100 Bushs. Split Pease— packed in Tierces. 
4,000 Bushels of Oats 
1,800 Chaldrons Coals, London Measure. 

50 Iron Stoves made at the Carren Works very cheap 

Inches In 

24 Long, 18 Wide, with thickness in propor- 
tion, to be fitted with doors and every thing 
ready to set up. 
2,500 Wt. of Iron plates, for Funnels for the same. 
2,000 Pr. of white Yarn Stockings, Stong & Substan- 
tial for Soldiers. 
2,000 Pr. of Mens Shoes, different Sizes for Soldiers. 
300 Wt. of small Pigtail Tobacco. 
60 Kegs of Barley, 40 of the inferior Sort— 10 of the 

6d sort, & 10, of the best. 
800 Bushels of Potatoes. 
3 Ton of Cheese. 

[:963 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed Copy | Schedule A. | Acct. of the several 
Goods I & Stores which were desired | to be sent by 
Colo. Robertson. | No. 2. | NB. No. 3. An Invoicel , . 

Marked B. OmittedJ ' ' 



Enclosure G 



[ ACCOUNT OF STORES ORDERED TO BE SENT OUT 
TO BOSTON ] 

(Copy) 

Flock Beds .... Ordered by the War Office 

Coals .... 3000 Chaldrons . . 3000 Chaldrons were 
before Ordered and now 3000 are Added 
which is a greater Quantity than is mentioned 
as necessary in both Col : Robertson's Orders. 

Porter . . 375,000 Gallons . . This Quantity is on a 
Calculation of allowing to each Man a Pot of 
Porter ^r. day, and for 10,000 Men for 150 
Days, and is sent to be used at the Discretion 
of the Commander in Chief. 

Sheep . . 2000 .... After the Minutest inquiry in 
respect to sending out black Cattle that we 
found to be impracticable, but it is hoped that 
Sheep may be sent with tolerable degree of 
Safety and without much Loss, what will be 
the exact Number that can be sent out can't yet 
be Ascertained 'till the Shipping is fixed, but 
this Number is proposed to be sent, And it is 
hoped it may be Accomplished and will be of 
considerable Service. 

C973 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Potatoes ... A Cargo besides what has been Ordered 
on Col. Robertson's Plan. 

Carrotsl A few of each for Hospital use and 

Onions J • • • • particular Cases, many can't be sent. 

Sour Crout ... A good Quantity will be sent as soon as 
the proper Season comes for making it, the 
Cabbages are not yet quite in their perfection 
for this purpose. 

Sallad Seed ... A good Quantity of this small Sallad- 
ing Seed will be sent out, as it will grow on 
being Sown any where Almost on a little 
Earth and with Moisture and Warmth and 
may be raised by the Soldiers on a little space 
by each Mess in Sufficient Quantities for their 
refreshment and Use. 

Malt .... Some will be sent out for the Hospital use 
and for Scorbutic Cases to be used as may be 
Judged proper. 

100,000 Gallons of Jamaica Rum . . Information hav- 
ing been given that the Rum which the Troops 
get is bad and New and Unwholesome it is 
proposed that some of the Ships which must 
be Chartered for carrying these Stores out to 
Boston shall be sent from thence to Jamaica 
for Rum of a good Quality, and that they shall 
bring back to Boston at least this Quantity of 
Rum — By this means the Troops will have a 
supply of good Rum and it is proposed that it 
shall be at the disposal of the Commander in 
Chief, to be distributed by him on particular 
Services, and in such Manner as he shall think 
proper. 

Vinegar— 100 Hogsheads. It has been represented that 

1:983 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

no Vinegar almost can be had, a Considerable 
Quantity has been sent out for the Hospital 
use, and it has been thought that a Quantity 
being sent to be served out as the Commander 
in Chief shall see fit may be of use and there- 
fore this Quantity will be sent out with the 
other things. 

Endorsed Copy | Schedule C | Account of stores and 
other I Necessaries Ordered to be | sent out to Boston. | 

No. 4. I 7 



Enclosure H 
(Copy) 
Extract of a Letter from John Robinson Esqr. to 
Major Genl. Howe, dated Treasury Chambers 22d. 
September 1775.— 



*the same 
List as that 
reed, from Mr. 
Stephens 



"In a former Letter I advised you of 
the Orders that had been given for the 
Shipping, consigned to your Order, a 
large Quantity of Provisions and Stores 
for the use of the Army under your 
Command. I now send you a List 
1 marked Letter A,* Containing an Ac- 
count of the Ships which have been 
taken up for this Purpose. The 
Thames David Laird Master is already 
loaden, and will fall down the River in 
a Day or two— you have an account of 
her Cargo in the List, and Messrs. 

1:99] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Mure, Son, and Atkinson, the Mer- 
chants employed to Ship the Stores 
will send the Bill of lading to you by 
that Ship. As the others are loaden 
they will be dispatched, and you may 
be assured of having advice thereof." 

Endorsed Copy | Extract of a Letter from | John 
Robinson Esqr. | dated Treasury Chambers | 22 Sepr. 
1775- I No. 5. I 8. 



Enclosure I 
(Copy) 

Extract of a Letter from John Robinson Esqr. to 

Major General Howe, dated Treasury Chambers 

Whitehall 25th. Sepr. 1775 — 
Sir, 

"You will receive this Letter from the Commander of 
the Storeship the Friendship Mr. Holmes, Master, who 
has Orders to deliver his Cargo according to your Di- 
rections, and in his future Destination to obey your 
Orders — I send you inclosed an Invoice of his lading, 
and am Directed by the Lords Commissioners of His 
Majesty's Treasury to desire, that you will dispose 
thereof as you shall see proper for the Comfort and use 
of the Army." 

Endorsed Copy | Extract of a Letter from John | Rob- 
inson Esqr. to Major Genl. | Howe, dated Treasury 
Chambers I Whitehall 25th. September 1775. | No. 
6. I 9. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure J 
(Copy) 
Extract of a Letter from John Robinson Esqr. to 
Major Genl. Howe, dated Treasury Chambers Oc- 
tor. I St. 1775— 

"I have lately from time to time advized you of the 
several Ships that have been sent out with Stores for the 
use of the Army, and I now send you a Copy of a Letter 
from Messrs. Mure and Atkinson to me with a dupli- 
cate of their Letter and inclosures to you." 

Endorsed Copy | Extract of a Letter from | John Rob- 
inson Esqr. to Major | General Howe dated | Treasury 
Chambers Octor. ist. | 1775.— | No. 7 | . 10. 



Enclosure K 
(Copy) 
Extract of a Letter from John Robinson Esqr. to 
Major General Howe, Dated Treasury Chambers 
19th October 1775. 

"This will be delivered to you by Robert Salmond, 
"Master of the Ship British King, loaded with Stores 
"for the use of the Army under your Command, agree- 
"able to the Bill of Loading, transmitted to you by 
"Mure, Son, and Atkinson." 

NB The Letters of Advice from the Treasury are all 
similar to this— 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed Copy | Extract of a Letter from | John Rob- 
inson Esqr. to | Major General Howe | dated Treasury 
Chambers | October 19th. 1775. | No. 8. | 11. 



Enclosure L 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO GENERAL HOWE ] 

Copy Boston 26th. February 1776. 

Sir, 

I have the honor of your Letter of Yesterday's date, 
accompanying Extracts of several Letters from the 
Lords Commissioners of the Treasury relating to the 
intention and distribution of the Supplies and Refresh- 
ments which His Majesty was Graciously Pleased to 
Order to be sent out to this Country; in consequence of 
which information and the probability that those Sup- 
plies were only designed for the "Use and Comfort of 
the Army," notwithstanding the Suggestion in Mr. 
Stephens's Letter, that the Fleet was to receive an equal 
Share of that Bounty, I shall give directions that you 
shall not be troubled with any further Application on 
that Subject, fully convinced and sensible of the hu- 
manity and impartiality of your disposition that nothing 
will ever be wanting in your power to supply the wants 
and Necessitys of His Majesty's Subjects of either Ser- 
vice, as they shall become known to you. I have the 
honor to be with great respect and Esteem. 

Sir, &ca. 

M. SHULDHAM 
Honorable General Howe. 

D02] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed Copy of Letter from Rear | Admiral Shuld- 
ham to I General Howe dated Boston | 26th. February 
1776.— I In Vice Admiral | Shuldham's of the | 27 
Febry | 13 



[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ^ ] 

gjj. 29th. Febry. 1776 

It was with great satisfaction I received & read to my 
Lords Commissioners of the Admty your Letter of the 
15th. of last Month acquainting their Lordships of 
your Arrival at Boston, the Account thereof having 
been expected with great impatience, I have also re- 
ceived your Journal of the Occurrences upon the Voy- 
age. 

The only observation I have to make in return to your 
said Letter is on that Part of it respecting the Care to be 
used as to the Vessels which may in future be employed 
to carry out Stores or Supplies, And on this their Lor- 
ships are pleased to direct me to inform you that every 
Precaution will be taken for their Security the Nature 
of the business may admit of. I am &c, 

A, , o, 11, Geo: Jackson DS 

Vice Adml. bhuldham 

at Boston in No. America 

By the Greyhound at Spithead, 

Duplicate sent the next day to Cork to go by the 

Greyhound 

Triplicate sent 29 Mar. To Mr. Pownall 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, P- 192. 

[103] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

29th. Febry. 1776 
Sir 

Having received & communicated to my Lords Com- 
missioners of the Admiralty your Letters of the 19th. 
27th. and 28th. of last Month, I do by their Lordships 
direction sit down to make the necessary replies thereto. 

The Intelligence transmitted in the letter of the 19th. 
has been also received from Vice Adml. Graves. 

Their Lordships have satisfaction in your recommen- 
dation of Captain Wallace, and will as you propose re- 
move him into a larger & better Ship than the Rose, the 
first Opportunity there is for so doing. 

The Letter you have transmitted from Mr. Brymer, 
Agent to Mr. Grant, who contracts for supplying fresh 
Meat to His Majesty's Ships at Boston in regard to 
drawing his Bills for the same, is referred to the Com- 
missioners of the Victualling for their immediate Con- 
sideration and Opinion what can be done towards re- 
moving his difficulties, their Lordships being equally 
desirous with you that every facility may be given that 
can with Propriety, to the supply of an Article so essen- 
tial to the well carrying on the publick Service. 

It is not in their Lordships power at present to com- 
ply with the Proposal contained in Commissioner Ar- 
buthnots letter of sending two Deck'd Ships for the 
Protection of the Yard at Halifax; and they Hope from 
the several other Measures now taking not only for the 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, P- 193. 

[104:1 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

security of the Province of Nova Scotia but all His 
Majesty's Colonies in North America, the same will not 
be found necessary, Their Lordships approve of your 
appointment of another Officer to the Command of the 
Garpee Armed Brig, if on your farther Information 
concerning her, she is not in possession of the Rebels. 

Their Lordships have made the Master General of 
the Ordnance acquainted with the Want of Ordnance 
small stores at Halifax; and with your proposition of 
having a Supply sent in a Storeship to Boston, or 
wherever the Commander in Chief may be, it being in- 
convenient to send to Halifax when supplies are 
wanted, and have recommended the same to be com- 
plied with. 

Lieut. Mouat having informed my Lords that there 
is a Ship at Boston of Tonage and dimensions very fit to 
be established as a Sloop, and their Lordships intending 
that she shall be purchased for His Majestys Service I 
have it in Command from them to acquaint you there- 
with and that you may expect their Order for so doing, 
also for establishing the said Vessel as a Sloop and ap- 
pointing Mr. Mouat to the Command of her, who will 
return in the Canceaux so soon as she can be got ready 
which they expect will be in the Course of a few days 
and there will be sent in her a set of Guns proper to be 
supplied for the said Sloops use. I am &c, 

Geo. Jackson DS 
Vice Adml. Shuldham 
at Boston No. America 
By the Greyhound at Spithead 
Duplicate sent the next day to Cork to go by the 
Greyhound 
Triplicate sent 29 March to Mr. Pownall — 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

4th. March 1776 
Sir 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admty having re- 
ceived a Memorial from the Gentlemen concerned in 
the Chaleur and Gaspee Fisheries and places adjacent 
in the Gulph of St. Lawrence, praying their Lordships 
to grant protection for the Ships &c. employed therein, 
I am commanded by their Lordships to send you here- 
with an Extract of their said Memorial, And to recom- 
mend it to you to take every proper Care in your power 
to give protection to the said Fisheries agreeable to the 
directions in your Instructions on that Head. I am &c. 

PS 
Vice Adml. Shuldham 
at Boston 

By the Greyhound at Cork, By Express at 6. PM. 
Duplicate sent 29 March To Mr Pownall 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 210. 



D06] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Boston 8th. March 1776— 
Sir. 

Herewith I transmit to you Copies of Two Letters I 
//received since my last of the 26th. past from Captain 
A. Parker at New York, and Captain Wallace at Rhode 
B Island, with their Intelligence and information of the 
State of those Colonies; And [I am now to inform you, 
Sir, that on the Morning of the 4th. instant we observed 
that the Rebels had the preceding night taken post on 
the heights of Dorchester, and had thrown up so exten- 
sive and strong a Redoubt that it was supposed not less 
than Ten or Twelve thousand Men could have been em- 
ployed in perfecting it in so short a time; This was so 
alarming and I presume unexpected an Event from the 
Advantageous situation of this Post, commanding the 
Town and Harbour of Boston, that General Howe Or- 
dered an Attack to be made upon it that night, and Two 
thousand Troops were Embarked and in readiness for 
that Service, but the Wind blowing too fresh for the 
Boats to Row ahead the Expedition was laid aside, and 
the next day the 5th. Orders were issued for the Army to 
prepare to embark with all the dispatch possible, which 
the very distress'd Condition it is in for want of Pro- 
vision makes absolutely necessary, for 'till I gave Or- 
ders a few days ago for a Months Supply out of the 
Naval Stores, it had not then more than a sufficiency for 
SS^ Fourteen days, and except a Supply arrives very speed- 
ily for both services, the Consequence must be fatal. We 
are now using our utmost efforts and attention in Em- 

1:107] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

barking the Ordnance and other Stores, and preparing 
for Evacuating this Town and Harbour to proceed to 
Halifax, the nearest and most likely place of refuge for 
an Army under such necessitous and Singular Circum- 
stances, where I shall Convoy it with part of His Maj- 
esty's Squadron under my Command, leaving all the 
Force I can spare for the protection of the Supplies in- 
tended for this place. 

On the representation of General Howe of the small 
importance the Ships under Captain Wallace's Com- 
mand are now at Rhode Island, and the very few I have 
to protect our Supplies from falling into the hands of 
the Rebels, especially on our leaving Boston, I have 
Ordered Captain Wallace to send two of them (the 
Swan and Bolton Armed Brig) to Cruize in the track 
of any Vessels bound here, and to see them in safety in 
their way to Halifax, The Glasgow, I have Ordered to 
New York and from thence to the Southward with 
General Howe's and my Dispatches, and the Rose I 
have Ordered to Halifax to clean and refit. 
/c I likewise herewith transmit to You Copy of a Letter 
from Captain Talbot of the Niger, informing me of the 
loss of the Friendship Transport which General Howe 
had sent with his dispatches to New York, and on board 
which, on the Generals Application to me, I had Or- 
dered a Petty Officer and Ten Men from the Chatham, 
and the same number from the Centurion, to assist the 
Master in the Navigation and defence of her upon that 
Service, all which I am sorry to acquaint you are be- 
come Prisoners to the Rebels to whom they were obliged 
to fly and submit to save their Lives when the Vessel was 
Wreck'd 

Captain Parker having acquainted me of the Death 

[io8: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

of Mr. George Clepham Purser of the Asia on the 24th. 
January last, I have Appointed Mr. Edward Bragge 
my Secretary to Succeed him in that Employment, 
which I hope their Lordships will be pleased to confirm 
him in. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 8 March 1776 | Vice Adml. Shuldham | R 

2 May I (with 14 Inclosures) R 2 May 

Answd. 



Enclosure A 
[ CAPTAIN PARKER TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Copy 
Sir, 

On the fifth of this Month Mr. Lee the Rebel Gen- 
eral came into this City, with a large Body of Men said 
to Amount to Three Thousand, on the Eleventh they 
removed all the Guns upon the lower Batteries up to 
what is called the Liberty Pole near the Barracks, this 
it was impossible for His Majesty's Ships to prevent, 
the Battery being so Situated, that I Should have been 
Obliged to place one Ship in the North River, which at 
that time was Absolutely impossible; from there being 
a Strong Wind at W.NWt. and a Flood Tide, which 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

effectually prevented our moving out of the East River; 
besides very large fields of floating Ice that would have 
Subjected the Ships to the most extreme danger of being 
carried Adrift. Firing upon the Town and judged by 
the Governor, General Clinton and myself, too Severe 
a Measure, being Confident that the Majority of the 
Citizens, particularly those of Property are faithful to 
the King; neither was this Act of Violence, an Act of 
the City's, but of the Rebels who have invaded it, as 
appears by the Minute of the Committee for removing 
the Records. I must Sir, beg leave to remark, that I 
feel myself in a very difficult Situation to know how to 
Act, Convinced as I am of the Attachment to His Maj- 
esty of many Men of great Property in this Town, at 
the same time knowing that it is Garrisoned by Rebels, 
And they have even had the Audacity to place Centinels 
immediately before Me, which I could never Submit 
to, was I not persuaded that my firing upon them would 
involve the City in ruins, which I must confess I cau- 
tiously Avoid, being determined if possible to make the 
Act of committing Hostilities theirs and not Mine, I 
should hope I am doing right, and that this lenity on my 
side, may not be Misconstrued, as a want of Zeal in car- 
rying on the King's Service. 

We have had a most severe Winter during which it 
has been with the greatest difficulty we have maintained 
our Stations, this has not been done without the Ships 
Sustaining some damage, the Asia making Sixteen or 
Twenty Inches of Water in Twelve Hours, the Phoenix 
does not make Water but her Bottom is a good deal cut 
with Ice. On the Eleventh we hauled off from the 
Wharfs to which we had been fast ever since the 
Twenty Ninth of December. Our fasts to the Shore 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

were watched by the Citizens, to prevent their being 
Cut by 111 disposed persons, until the Arrival of Lee. 
We did not haul ofif without great apprehensions of Ice, 
but after the taking away the Guns, I thought it prudent 
to have the Ships in a Situation to Act; Until the thir- 
teenth our Minds were much Agitated for fear of the 
Ice, having had many large Fields come in upon us, but 
fortunately of no Substance. 

On the Sixteenth Mr. Clark the Officer Commanding 
the Armed Tender came and reported he had seen a 
great number of Armed Rebels upon the Blufif Point of 
Staten Island and that he imagined they were Fortify- 
ing; Upon this information I thought it my Duty to 
throw every Obstruction in the way of such an Under- 
taking; I therefore sailed with His Majesty's Ship 
under my Command to the Narrows, and Anchored 
close off the Point of Staten Island, lay there four or 
five Hours, but could not, either from the Mast Head, 
or from the Deck, discover any ground to be broke, or 
that there was any appearance of such an Intention. A 
great number of Armed Rebels paraded about, but as 
I could not fire upon them with any certainty, I did 
not choose to accustom them to Cannon Shot, where 
there was so little probability of having any good 
efifect. 

At the same time I moved down with the Phoenix, 
I ordered Captain Vandeput to move into the North 
River, and place himself in such a Situation as to pre- 
vent the Rebels taking Post, upon either Governor's or 
Hangman's Island. I am now laying in the Phoenix off 
of the Narrows, where nothing can pass but must come 
within reach of my Guns, nor can any thing move upon 
the Heights but must be seen from the Mast Heads. 

Ci"3 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Should any attempt be made to Fortify, I shall en- 
deavour to retard it as much as possible, but cannot 
flatter myself with a Hope of being able to stop such 
Proceedings effectually the Land being above the 
height of my Tops. In this Situation I also Command 
the View of the Hook, and can see a great way to Sea; 
am therefore ready to dispatch the Armed Tender with 
Pilots to any Ship or Vessel that may be coming in. The 
Asia Commands the most Material passage up to the 
Town, And I am persuaded the Rebels never will dare 
to take possession of either of those Islands while she is 
able to keep her Station, which nothing but Ice can 
drive her from. 

Mr. Lee much against the Inclination of the City, 
has cut of]f all supplies of Fresh Provisions ; in return I 
have given Orders to Stop every necessary from going 
to it. It is reported and I have it from good Authority 
that Lee means to Fortify the back part of the Town by 
Intrenchments, and to erect some Batteries upon the 
Heights to Obstruct the Passage of both Rivers; as yet 
nothing of that sort is begun, nor do I apprehend any 
Batteries he can erect will be of any great consequence 
while we are able to prevent his doing of it at the Two 
passes where the Ships now lye. 

I was much hurt at the Rebels taking the Ship Blue 
Mountain Valley, One of those loaded with Coals, 
Porter &ca. for the Troops, but in that case was par- 
ticularly unfortunate, having the day before she was 
taken, dispatched a Lieutenant and fifteen Men in a 
Pilot Boat to the Hook, upon the report of a Ship being 
off; The Master on that day had stood off to Sea, the 
Lieutenant therefore returned and reported that there 
was not any Vessel in Sight; The day after the Ship 

[:"2: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Stood in and was taken not without some Suspicions of 
Treachery on the Master's side. The Sloop that brings 
you these Dispatches was the Vessel seized upon as the 
Owners say for the above purpose, but I thought it a 
proper Step to Seize upon her, leaving it to you to 
determine how far they can justify such an Act of 
Piracy. 

Governor Tryon's Letter of the 19th. of January was 
of such an Alarming Nature, that I thought it my Duty 
to guard against the consequences if possible; I there- 
fore Ordered the Cargo to be taken out of the James 
Schooner lately Seized, and Armed the said Schooner 
(having no small Vessel of the King's upon this Sta- 
tion) to enable her to be so placed as to give me the 
earliest Intelligence, should the Enemy attempt to As- 
semble the Vessels mentioned in the Letter; since the 
Hauling ofif the Ships from the Wharfs she has been of 
infinite Service as a Cruizer. 

I am Sir, to Acknowledge the Receipt of your Orders 
by the Mercury, she Arrived here the third of this 
Month and Sailed the Eleventh, I compleated her Pro- 
visions for three Months, during her stay the three 
Transports also Arrived and sailed with her. 

On the Twentieth Arrived the Harriot Transport 
from England bound to the Army with Coals, Porter 
&ca. she left England the Ninth of December; I pro- 
pose as soon as she is refitted, pushing her, the Ship with 
Salt and the Sloop loaded with Naval Stores, on to 
Rhode Island, in hopes of their getting from thence a 
Convoy to Boston. 

I have received a Letter from the Mayor of New 
York, dated the Twenty first Acquainting me that His 
Majesty's Ships are to be supplied as usual with Pro- 

1:1133 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

visions; In consequence of which I have given Orders 
to allow the Market Boats to pass to the City. 

I am just now informed that the Rebels are pushing 
large Supplies of Flour &ca. from New York up Long 
Island Sound, this it is impossible for me to prevent; 
there is a Battery erected upon Long Island to defend 
the passage through Hell Gate, Another is began upon 
the Island of New York at a place called Benson's Bay, 
which will annoy any Vessels that may be coming 
hither through the Sound; as it is meant to defend the 
passage between Blackwell's Island and New York; It 
is also said Mr. Lee's plan is to Fortify the Wharfs by 
raising Platforms in the Cellars, where he means to 
place Guns so as to be upon a height with the level of 
the River at high Water; but this will never Answer his 
purpose, as Ships of any Size may come within Twenty 
Yards of the Wharfs. 

On the 24th. January, Died Mr. George Clephan, 
Purser of His Majesty's Ship Asia; I appointed Mr. 
John Saunders to be Acting in the Station until your 
Appointment shall take place 

In future I find by the Agent's Letter there is little 
probability of his being Able to Supply His Majesty's 
Ships with Rum, Pease, Beef or Pork; the first from it's 
not being allowed to be imported ; the latter Articles 
from the Country People being terrified at the thoughts 
of being detected bringing them in. 

I must Sir, beg leave to request you will be pleased 
to Order, by the first Man of War or Vessel that may 
come here, the Stores for both Ships, according to the 
enclosed demands, the Asia being distressed for want of 
them, and the Phoenix in great want of many Articles. 

We are much distressed for want of small Vessels, I 

C"43 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

should therefore hope Sir, you would be pleased to dis- 
patch this Vessel to me Again ; with such Orders as you 
may have for me. I have the Honor to be, 

Sir 

Your most Obedient and 
most Humble Servant 
H. Parker 
Phoenix, ofif the Narrows 
of Graves End Bay, New York 
25th. February 1776 

Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. 

Rear Admiral of the White &ca. &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Captn. | Parker to 
Rear Admiral | Shuldham, dated New York 25th. 
Febry 1776. | with 11 Inclosures | In Vice Admiral | 
Shuldham's Lre | of the 8 March | A— with 11 In- 
closures 



Enclosure i 

Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union en- 
tered into by the Delegates of the several Colonies of 
New Hampshire &ca. in General Congress met at 
Philadelphia May loth. 1775/ 

1 For the text of these articles see the Journals of the Continental 
Congress, 1 774-1 789, vol, II, pp. 195-201. 



1:115] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure 2 
[ INTELLIGENCE RECEIVED ] 

Copy Received the begining of Jany. 1776. 

The following is a Copy of what was written under a 
Bill of such Goods as was immediately to be procured, 
the List of the Goods I had not time to Copy but they 
were Various Sorts, Gunpowder, Lead, Flints &ca. to 
the Amount of Twenty five thousand pounds Stlg Vizt. 

These Goods should be purchased in Holland and 
France, and the most probable way to efifect it will be 
immediately to send Vessels with Provisions for Por- 
tugal, Spain, and the Streights— Order the Proceeds to 
be remitted by Bills to Amsterdam or London. A Fac- 
tor Capable of Transacting this bussiness in Holland, 
Hamboro, and France should be immediately em- 
ployed. Goods at Holland may at a Small risque and 
Charge, be sent to Dunkirk, and there be sent off — 

At Holland Dutch Bottoms may be got for Saint 
Austatia — at Holland or Hamboro, Danish Bottoms 
for St. Croix. 

I cannot find that the persons are Nominated as yet 
for this Bussiness, I shall endeavour to learn who they 
are to be, and what Vessels. — I thinkby what little I can 
learn that the Vessels fiting out here are part of them 
that are to be employed for the above Expedition one of 
them is a Ship of 36 Guns, her Head is the figure of a 
Man as Drawing a Sword. Bottom white. Sides Black 
and Yellow above— The Brig has no head at all, how- 
ever as they dont sail yet I will let you know more par- 
ticulars about them and who will be their Commanders. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

There is to be Issued a further Sum of Three Mil- 
lions of Dollars. I have enclosed part of a letter from 
Mr. Hellegas the Treasurer, it is broke to pieces but it 
will serve to Convince you that a further Sum is to be 
Issued. 

They are very resolute to persevere in their Wars. 
News Came Yesterday, that one Regiment of Foot and 
three Companies of Light Horse was come to Long 
Island. Coll. Floyd said he was glad if they were, that 
they would soon be their Horses, he said if the regulars 
should guard a certain place between some Noted 
Name and Hell gate it would be difficult for the Pro- 
vincial Troops to get on Long Island. Here is three 
persons from New York, One Captn. Greenol, One Bras- 
sier, and one Palmer, with a New Draft of Hudsons 
River, Signifying the Necessity of Building another 
Fort on Poop lopers Hill in the above River they also 
brought letters from the Convention of New York; I 
Copied off the following but opportunity would not 
allow me any further. 

We take the Liberty to enclose you a Copy of our 
proceedings, respecting the Delinquents in Queen's and 
Richmond's Counties, we apprehend we have pro- 
ceeded against them as far as prudent, with regard to 
present Circumstances of the Capital of this Colony and 
the Safety of the Colonies in general as far as it depends 
upon the Security of its Capital will permit, and for this 
Assertion we beg to Suggest the following reasons, to 
wit 

I St. 

The Power which the Kings Ships have for destroy- 
ing the Property in this City. 

1:1173 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

2d. 

Our being almost utterly destitute of Powder for the 
defence of the City, was it in other respects defensible 
against Naval Forces. 

3d. 

The great probability that an Array of Troops 
against the Abovementioned delinquents by Authority 
of this Congress, even were we Sufficiently provided for 
the purposes with Powder would bring on a Firing 
upon this City. 

4th. 

We are now expecting Vessels from the Importation 
of Powder &ca. &ca. this object should we unnecessarily 
incense the Navy we may lose, as well as the Opportu- 
nity of Supporting the Inhabitants of this City with the 
Necessaries of Life in a severe Season, which Neces- 
saries it is well known we are Almost entirely supplyed 
with by Water. 

The latter part of this letter signified that Troops 
should be sent from some other parts against the Above- 
mentioned Counties. 

Another Letter and a Copy of One that had been sent 
to Governor Thrumbull requesting him that the Types 
&ca. taken from Rivington might be delivered into the 
hands of the Chairman of the Committee of New York, 
and he would use his endeavour to prevent any inroads 
or incurtions into the Province of New York for the fu- 
ture. 

Here is one Captain Sollick in this Town with three 

C"8] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Others that came down from the back Forts with the 
Prisoners taken at Saint Johns &ca. I have made it my 
bussiness to get acquainted with them, Sollick is the 
fellow that took the Goods and Stores from Turtle bay; 
with his own Sloop, which he made free to tell me 
(being a friend of his) says he I had Authority and went 
to New York on purpose to take that old Tryon myself. 
I warrant I would have secured him; but when I came 
there the Damn'd Tories pretended to say it would be 
best to let him alone a little longer, had it not been for 
them I should have had him safe enough; he is now 
applying to the Congress for a reward for his bravery, 
he told me he intended to fit out his own Sloop with 6 
Guns and a Number of Swivels for Privateering he is 
one of Connecticut, he further Assured me that there 
was at that Place two fine Schooners fiting out. One for 
Captain Sears, of New York, the other for Captain 
Craig— One of the others told me that three Companys 
of Troops was Stationed atTycontoroga and St. Georges 
with a great number at at Saint Johns, 27,000 Men 
was fixed on to be embodied next Spring, but Since 
the News Came from England that an Army of 30,000 
Men are to be sent over, I believe they are about to 
Augment their forces, however probably I may learn 
what forces they intend to resolve on. 

The Privateers is froze up, but now the thaw will free 
them, and I shall know when they Sail, here is upwards 
of 100 Flatts built to be set on fire if any Fleet Comes up 
this River, they are to be Chain'd One to another in two 
Rows across the River and a large Chain to be put 
across, There is something of Great Consequence going 
to be put in Motion at Boston as soon as the Frost sets in, 
they mean to use the Utmost in their power, as I heard 

i:i>93 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

one of them say, that it would be of greater Conse- 
quence than Reducing of Canada. 

Endorsed Copy | No. 2. | In V. A. Shuldhams | 8 
March 1776 



Enclosure 3 
' [ INTELLIGENCE FROM PHILADELPHIA ] 

(Copy) Thursday, 4th. January 1776. 

This day about one o'Clock sailed the Ship Alfred 
and the Ship Columbus with Two Brigs,^ the Alfred 
Carries 36 Guns 9 and 12 pounders, 60 Marines, and 
about 200 Sailors. Columbus about the same number 
of Men, and 32 Guns, the Two Brigs carries 16 Guns, 
they sailed with 5 or 6 Merchant Ships Loaded with 
Flour from the Congress. Hopkins Commands the 
Alfred, she has Yellow sides, her Head the figure of a 
Man, English Colours but more Striped;— The Co- 
lumbus is all Black, except white bottom, with no Head, 
Commanded by one Whipple. 

Hopkins says he will board after a few Shot at all 
events, they have got a Number of Grapnels, Spikes 
&ca. for boarding, with Cohorns on the Main top. A 
Sloops of 12 Guns is to sail this Evening, she is a Sloop 
that came from Rhode Island. I dont know whether or 
not these Vessels are going but it is probable they will 
Convoy these Merchant men off the Coast as they are 

^ The Cabot and the Andrew Doria. 2 "Yh-t Providence. 

D203 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

going for Powder &ca. to Spain, Portugal and Holland 
and to France but I cannot understand they have any 
particular Alliances as yet by some words as I heard I 
believe they will pay Lord Dunmore a Visit soon, he is 
on board and is fallen down Ten Miles below New 
port he has lost many Men. Three Companies is going 
to March from here very soon Captain Williams Alens, 
Dawson and Jenkenses all for Virginia. The Neptune 
and the Aurora is Two of the Above Merchantmen, there 
Names is in their Sterns, they are Certainly going 
for Powder and Ammunition let their pretence be yhat 
they will, very bad News from Canada Arnolds Regi- 
ment have lost great Numbers of Men Starved to Death 
and Perished with Hunger and Cold. Governor Carl- 
ton has great Numbers in Quebec. Long Faces in the 
Congress because they are Almost out of hopes of taking 
it : the head of the Tories on Long Island are to be taken 
and Secured in Goal and the Others to be disarmed; 
more Vessels are loading here with Flour none of them 
Cleared out at the Custom House, they are all Freighted 
by the Congress. 

N. B. The first part of this Information was a Mis- 
take, The Privateers having only fell down the River 
and did not sail.^ 

(Sign'd) H. Parker 

Endorsed Copy | No. 3. | In V. A. Shuldham's | 8 
March 1776 

1 See the Andrew Doria's Log, Jan. 4 and 17, 1776. 



Dzil 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
Enclosure 4 



From several Informations the following is the State of 





Commanders 
Names 


Number 




Guns 


Ships or Vessels 
Name 


Pounders 


U) 




32 


24 


18 


9 


6 


> 

C/3 


Alfred (Ship) 


" Hopkins 




(1 


(( 


1- 


10 


- - - 


Columbus (Ship) 


" Whipple 




(( 


(( 


{- 


10 




Annodora^ (Brig) 


" Dunn^ 




(( 


i( 


n 


16 


12 


Cabinet^ (Brig) 


" Hopkins Junr. 




(( 


(< 


" 


14 


12 


Providence (Sloop) 


" Hazard 




u 


K 


(( 


12 


10 


Row Gallies Thirteen 


No. 














Vizt. 


One Mounting 


I 


(( 


( ( 


(( 


(( 


(< 




Some - - - - 


i( 


I 


U 


" 


" 


(( 




and some - - - 


" 


" 


I 


(1 


<( 


(( 


One Floating Battery 


120 feet long, 20 f 


eet wi 


de, the 


Parape 


t of wh 


ich is 


nly 


Thirty Fire Rafts, Bu 


ilt like a Scough i 


8 feet 


long a 


nd 12 f 


eet Wi 


de. 




Two Ships Twenty G 






























Two Brigs 14 and i6 






























Thirteen Frigates, or 


dered to be Built b 


y the 


Contin 


ental C 


ongres 


s from 


28 to 



EndorsedCopy | State of the Rebel's Marine | Forces.— | N0.4. i In V.A. Shuldhams | 
^Andrew Doria. ^ Cabot. ^Nicholas Biddle. 



[122] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



the Rebels Marine forces. Vizt. 



of 








Remarks 




Men 






Philadelphia 




Lower Deck 


220 Including 


) Figure head, Yellow sides, her lower Deck Ports 
) not above 18 inches from the Water. 


Upper Deck 


60 Marines 


Lower Deck 
Upper Deck 


220 Including 
60 Marines 


r- Black sides without a Head. 


- - - - 


130 Including 
30 Marines 


|- Black sides without a Head. 


- - - - 


120 Including 
30 Marines 


j- Figure Head and Yellow Sides. 




90 Including 
28 Marines 


\ 


.... 


3 




50 each 




Plank. 


Baltimore. 




- - - 


New Haven 


Fitting out. 


- 


- 


Fitting out. 


36 Guns, Two 


Allotted to be B 


uilt at this Port.* 



8 March 1776. 

*Four of the vessels were eventually built at Philadelphia: the Randolph, 32; the Wash- 
ington, 32; the Effingham, 28; and the Delaware, 24. 

D233 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure 5 
. [ ORDER ISSUED BY THE NAVAL COMMITTEE ] 

(Copy) 

The Naval Committee give possitive Orders, that 
every Officer in the Sea and Marine Service, and all the 
Common Men belonging to each, who have enlisted 
into the Service of the United Colonies on board the 
Ships now fiting put, that they immediately repair on 
board their respective Ships as they would avoid being 
deemed deserters, and all those who have undertaken to 
be Security for any of them are hereby Called upon, to 
procure and deliver up the Men they have engaged for, 
or they will be immediately Called upon in a proper 
and effectual Way. 

Boats will Constantly Attend at Messrs. Welling and 
Morris's Wharf to Carry all people on board the Ships. 
Philadelphia Jany. 4th. 1776. 

By order of the Committee 

Ty. MaLTACK Secy, 

Endorsed Copy | No. 5. | In V. A. Shuldham | 8 Mar 
1776 



D24:] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure 6 

[ GOVERNOR TRYON TO CAPTAIN PARKER ] 

Copy Ship Dutchess of Gordan, off 

New York 19th. January 1776. 
Sir, 

This evening I have received intelligence of a Plan 
intended in Connecticut Government against the King's 
Ships. Vizt. that a number of Sloops loaded with 
Combustibles, are to Sail through Hell Gate, and to 
rendezvous off Blackwell's Island, where they are to be 
chained together and sent down to New York with the 
Ebb Tide, in some dark and Tempestuous Night, when 
they think the Ships of War cannot escape being de- 
stroyed by the Fire. General Lee is Supposed to have 
been consulted on this Scheme, an intention that may be 
forwarded without the knowledge of this City. 
I am 
, . Sir, 

Your most Obedient Servant 
Wm. Tryon 
Captain Parker 

Endorsed Copy \ Copy of a Letter from Govr. | Tryon 
to Captain Parker. | New York 19th. Jaiiry 1776. | No. 
6 I In V. A. Shuldham | 8 March 1776 



1:1253 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure 7 
[ INTELLIGENCE RECEIVED ] 

Copy 28th. January 1776. 

That General Carlton ordered Two Parties from 
Quebec, One Marched under the Command of Colonel 
Mc. Clean, and posted themselves between Col. Arnold 
and General Montgomery; who were One Mile Asun- 
der; That upon a Signal given by the fire of a Cannon, 
General Carlton with the second Party, attacked Ar- 
nold in Front and Mc.Clean in Rear, by which 
Mancevre, Arnold's party were all killed, or taken ; The 
Alarm then reached Montgomery's Intrenchments 
which he Mounted with his Aid De Camp who were 
immediately Shot. His Party fell in confusion and was 
routed totally. 

General Wooster had shut up the Mass Houses (in 
Montreal) on Christmas Eve; which with other matters 
has turned the Canadians. The Priests are very warm 
in the King's Service; And refuse Absolution to all who 
are not in his Service; So that it is imagined Wooster 
and Easton with 200 Men are Taken or fled from 
Montreal. Their people pass daily through and will 
not stay, Several Die, in attempting to get over the Lake 
Frozen to Death, in some places 6, and some 7, lie dead 
together. The Lake is not passable by Land or Water, 
nor do I imagine it will be this Winter, before General 
Carlton clears Canada. No Provincials has passed yet, 
nor do I believe any body can get to Canada to be 
feared. In the Spring the Wheel will turn. Things 
here wear a better face. General Washington wants 

[126] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

8,000 Men, but they are not to be had. They talk of 
raising 3,000 Men in Connecticut for Canada — and 
2000 Massts. but the people will not turn out for Can- 
ada. The Multitude would willingly accept of Lord 
Norths Speech; but are led by bad Heads which begin 
to Totter. Powder is much wanted, they have it not; I 
hope Lee's expedition will do more good than hurt, a 
friend to— Conolly Queen's street 

May fair 

Endorsed Copy | No. 7. | In V. A Shuldham | 8 March 
1776 



Enclosure 8 
Copy 

Intelligence received by persons who may be de- 
pended upon. Since i8th. Decemr. 1775. 

1776 Janry. 4th. Two Brigs fitting out as Privateers 
from New Haven in the Colony of Connecti- 
cut, 12 or 14 Guns each. Their Plan was sup- 
posed to make an Attempt upon the Magazine 
of Gunpowder at Needham's Fort upon the 
Island of Barbadoes, which they had Intelli- 
gence was weakly Guarded. 

. . . 4th. By two Seamen who deserted from the 
Row Gallies at Philadelphia, that then there 
was Six Privateers laying there, that the Reb- 
els had Sunk seventeen Caissoons in the Chan- 
nel about Nine Miles below Philadelphia 
(and had five more ready) in such a form as 
C1273 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

to make a Serpentine Channel, and that each 
Caissoon was Armed with very large Iron 
Spikes, the bigness of a Man's thigh. 

. . . 8th. By a Letter from Baltimore, there were 
Two Ships -^f Twenty Guns each, then fitting 
out as Privateers at that place. 

. . . 9th. By Letters from Philadelphia about the 
2d. of January, Two of the Privateers fell 
down the Delawar; the rest were to follow as 
soon as possible. 

. . . 9th. By a Letter of Authority from the Island 
of Hispaniola, dated the 23d. of November. 
The Port of Ocayes, was opened as a free Port 
by Proclamation for Six Months for the Im- 
portation of North American Produce; the 
same Letter also Mentions their expectation of 
the Arrival of Seven Thousand five hundred 
French Troops at Cape Francois and the same 
Number at Martinique, and that there is a 
great Importation of Ordnance Stores daily 
coming upon that Island. 

1776 Janry. 23d. A Schooner the Master's name 
Stanbury is to discharge her Cargo of Gun- 
powder at Egg Harbour or Cape May; Or- 
dered not to come within Cape Hinlopen for 
fear of King's Ships. A great many Merchant 
Ships cleared out from Philadelphia for the 
West Indies, and many expected in the last of 
January, or the first Week in February. 

. . . 23d. Received the disagreeable News that 
the Ship Blue Mountain Valley loaded with 
Coals, Porter, &ca. was Seized off Sandy 
Hook by William Alexander commonly 

1:1283 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

called Lord Sterling, he having Arm'd Two 
Sloops from Elizabeth Town for that pur- 
pose. 

Endorsed Copy | No. 8. | In V. A. Shuldham | 8 March 
1776 



Enclosure 9 

[ ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY OF NEW YORK 
FOR THE REMOVAL OF PUBLIC RECORDS ] 

Copy In Committee of Safety New York 

February nth. 1776. 
This Committee observing that the Cannon and Mili- 
tary Stores on and near the Battery are now under re- 
moval to other parts of the City, and knowing that this 
Transaction both in its design and Execution is without 
the Consent of this Committee and even without their 
knowledge otherwise than as discovered from the 
Transaction itself, And as perhaps such a removal may 
bring on a firing upon the City from the Ships of War 
in this Port, which may greatly endanger the Publick 
records of this Colony. This Committee is fully of 
Opinion that the Publick Records ought to be imme- 
diately removed to a place of greater safety than that in 
which they now are; Therefore Ordered that the said 
Publick Records of this Colony together with Samuel 
Bayard Junr. Esqr. the Deputy Secretary of this Colony 
be forthwith Conveyed under a proper Guard of the 

1:1293 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Militia of the City of New York to the dwelling house 
of Nicholas Bayard Esqr. Alderman of the outward of 
the said City and be there Securely kept under such 
Guard until further Order of the Provincial Congress 
of this Colony or of this Committee of Safety. And the 
said Guard are hereby expressly required to permit the 
said Samuel Bayard Esqr. to have Continual access to 
and the direction of the said Records, except that he and 
every other person be prevented from removing them 
or any of them from the place where they are hereby 
Ordered to be deposited until the further Order of the 
Provincial Congress, or of this Committee. And or- 
dered that Coll. Lasher be requested to furnish a proper 
Guard and see this order Executed. 

And Ordered further that Colonel Lasher fix on such 
Officers and Company of his Regiment for this and any 
other Duty that may be directed as he shall think 
proper and report the same to this Committee. The 
Committee hereby giving assurance that Provision will 
be made for the Pay and Subsistance of such Company 
equal to the Continental Establishment while Contin- 
ued in Service. 

A true Copy from the Minutes 

RoBT. Benson Secy. 



A true Copy of the Original furnished me by the said 
Robt. Benson 

Saml. Bayard Junr. 



Endorsed Copy | No. 9 | In V. A. Shuldham | 8 Mar. 
1776 

C130II 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure lo 

Copy 

Private Intelligence from Philadelphia 
13th. Feby. 1776. 
1776 

January 8th. Forty Ton of Salt Petre Arrived from 
Saint Croix. 

17 Fleet saild to Reedy Island and Seventy 
Hands arrived, from Rhode Island to help 
them. 
20 Twenty two of the Cheveaux de frizes 
drove by the Ice from their Moorings. — 
Eighty hands more for— 
February 12th. Fleet sailed in the Morning under 
old Hopkins from Reedy Island, destination 
a Secret. 

Four Frigates on the Stocks, the Keels 140, 
136, 124 and 120 Feet— to carry they say from 
36 Guns to 28 Do. but not quite Certain — 

A Guard Ship on the Stocks of 18 Guns, to 
be launched in about three Weeks, to be Sta- 
tioned just below the Cheveaux de f rize. 

The Deserters that are here would very 
willingly return to their Duty, if they were 
sure of a Pardon, and could be informed when 
they would be received; and it is believed 
would bring many with them. 

Endorsed Copy | No. 10. | In V. A. Shuldham | 8 
March 1776. 

D3O 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure ii 

Copy 

Wages ordered by the New York Provincial Con- 
gress, to be given for Seamen, to Man the Privateers at 
Philadelphia. 

Gunner ^r. Month ... 15 Dollars 

Gunner's Mate . . Do 10^ Do. 

Boatswain Do 15 Do. 

Boatswain's Mate . Do gy^ Do. 

Boatswain's 2d. Mate Do 8 Do. 

Able Seamen . . . Do 6^ Do. 

Endorsed Copy | Wages Order'd by the New York | 
Provincial Congress to be given | for Seamen to Man 
the Privateers.— | No. 11. | In V. A. Shuldham | 8 
March 1776 



Enclosure B 
[ CAPTAIN WALLACE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Copy, _ 

Rose, Rhode Island Febry 28th,= i776. 
Sir, 

A Vessel from Captain Parker at York arrived here 
in her way to Boston, by which opportunity I acknow- 
ledge the receipt of Letters and Orders of the ist. In- 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

stant, His Majesty's Vessels here, are Employed 
Cruizing about the Bay and sometimes making De- 
scents harrassing the Rebels as much as possible, they 
have abandoned the Island of Prudence to Us, and I 
expect the Island of Connanicut every day, what Hay 
and Stock they can't take away with them they burn and 
destroy they are making New levies. New Laws, every 
one who does not take a Test to join them, they dis- 
posses of their Houses, and send them Prisoners into the 
back Country, some that have escaped on board His 
Majesty's Ship, acquaint me that several of the Inhabi- 
tants are exceedingly tired of the War, wishes for 
Troops to arrive, that they may join them, it seems their 
Policy, to Distress the Country and the People in Order 
to leave them no alternative but entering into the Rebel- 
lion. We have found the Transport so necessary for 
our Wounded Men, that I could not conveniently send 
her, they are near recovered, and I flatter myself I shall 
soon send her loaded. I beg leave to observe, by the 
Weekly Return we run short of some Articles of Pro- 
visions, not to be got here. Indeed Fresh Beef and 
Greens &ca. Market stufif is all we do get. In some 
former Letters I mentioned to Admiral Graves the situ- 
ation of the Towns about here, and my reasons for not 
destroying them, it would be a great satisfaction to 
know you sentiments upon that head, it has been my 
Opinion some time, that a small additional Land Force 
tack'd to the Squadron would secure this Post, and ob- 
lige them to keep a greater Number of Men to guard 
the Coast along the Sound, harrass, and do them great 
Injury and oblige them to give up all the Islands to us. 
— Lee has been sometime at York. — Hopkins is Sailed 
with the Philadelphia Fleet.— The Continental Con- 

D33] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

gress has Voted themselves perpetual, so says report, 
our Intelligence is not much to be depended upon they 
keep so strict a look out. — Inclosed is the State and Con- 
dition of His Majesty's Ships. — I have the honor to be 

Your most humble 

and Most Obedient Servant 
James Wallace 

Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. Adml. &ca. &ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from Captn. | Wallace to 
Rear Admiral | Shuldham, dated, Rose, | Rhode Island 
28th. Feby. 1776— | In Vice Admiral | Shuldham's 
Lre I of the 8 March I B 



Enclosure C 

[ CAPTAIN TALBOT TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) Niger at Sea, 3d. March 1776. 

Sir, 

If Mr. Dawson has not already informed You, I am 
now to convey to you the disagreeable News, that the 
Friendship which Sailed lately from Boston for New 
York was cast away about 4 o'Clock in the Morning of 
last Friday Three Leagues to the Southward of Cape 
Cod— My first sight of her as I was standing towards 
the Land, was about 1 1 the same day, and appeared to 
be at an Anchor in a dangerous Situation on the open 
Coast, on my nearer approach I found she was high and 
dry on Shore; it blew Violently at NWt. by which 

C134II 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

means it prevented any commtinication between us; at 
8 the same Evening I got round to the Northward of 
the Cape, came to an Anchor off the Coast and fired a 
Gun, as I knew there was then but a Neck of Land 
about Two Miles between me and the Wreck; I then 
expected to have got her Crew on board, but all to no 
purpose, it blew so Violently that Night and all the next 
day;— The Pilot of her is the only Person secreted from 
the Rebels, he was conveyed on board the Hope Brig, 
and Mr. Dawson has I believe been prevented putting 
him on board You agreeable to my directions, by He 
and Lieutenant Brown Chasing two Schooners to the 
Southward of Cape Cod. I am, 

Sir &ca. 
Geo : Talbot. 

Rear Admiral Shuldham Commander in Chief &ca. 
&ca. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Captain Talbot of 
His Majs. I Ship Niger to Rear | Admiral Shuldham, | 
relative to the loss of | the Friendship Transport. | dated 
3d. March 1776. | In Vice Admiral | Shuldham's Lre | 
of the 8 March I C. 



D353 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

14th. March. 1776 
Sir 

Sir Stanier Porten, Secretary to Lord Weymouth, 
having transmitted to my Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty a Letter giving Intelligence of two Vessels 
being lately sailed from Bourdeaux to America, laden 
with Powder, and Ammunition, and that another is at 
the same place taking in the like Lading, and will soon 
sail for for America, I am commanded by their Lord- 
ships to send you the inclosed Copy of the said Letter 
for your information. And am &ca. 

Geo: Jackson DS 
Vice Adml. Shuldham at Boston 

By the Greyhound— sent to Cork 16 Mar 
Duplicate sent 29 March To Mr. Pownall 



[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ^ ] 

14th. Mar: 1776 
Sir 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admty having re- 
ceived an Extract of a Letter from Nantes giving Intel- 
ligence that there was an American Vessel in that Port, 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out- Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 267. 

2 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 267. 

[1363 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

and that there were several in other Ports of France, in 
search of Ammunition; I am commanded by their 
Lordships to send you the inclosed Copy thereof for 
your information And am &ca. 

Geo Jackson DS 

Vice Adml. Shuldham at Boston in 

North America 
By the Greyhound sent to Cork i6 Mar. 
Duplicate sent 29 March— To Mr. Pownall 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham King Road, Boston 
Harbour 17th. March 1776. 
Sir, 

[Since my last to you of the 8th., the Fleet and Army 
have been busily Employed in Embarking the Ord- 
nance and other Stores belonging to the King, in which 
the Rebels have given us little or no interruption, tho' 
their Cannon and Mortars have not been totally unem- 
ployed, and this Morning the Embarkation of the 
Troops was completed without the loss of a Man, and 
the Transports proceeded to, and Anchored at this 
U^^place,] but I find a Considerable Quantity of Ordnance 
and other Stores are rendered useless, and left behind 
by the Army for want of time, as well as Shipping to 
carry it away, tho' the Troops are allowed but one Ton 
a Man in the Transports, and the extreme want of Pro- 
visions will not allow us to wait, I have therefore Ap- 
propriated a Transport (the Francis) to take on board 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

all the Naval Stores I could collect, which the Adven- 
ture Storeship could not contain, and have the pleasure 
to inform you as little will be lost in our Department as 
could be expected in so Sudden and unprepared for an 
event; I have also appropriated the Richmond Trans- 
port to the use of an Hospital Ship, 'till the Arrival of 
one from England for that Service. 

Of the Ships taken up by the Commissioners of the 
Victualling, a List of which you transmitted to Vice 
Admiral Graves, accompanying your Letter of the 28th. 
of September those in the Margin (Resolution, Layton, 
Manners, Killingworth)^ are not arrived, nor have any 
Account of them, by which Disappointment and the 
Necessity I have been under of Supplying the Army, 
there is but a small Quantity of any Provisions remain- 
ing, especially Beef and Pork proportionate to the 
Squadron, as you will please to observe by the Agent 

/Victuallers Account of Remains accompanying this. 
Nantasket Road at the Entrance of this Harbour 
being at too great a distance for my observation of the 
Occurrences constantly passing there, I Ordered Cap- 
tain Banks of the Renown to Superintend and Com- 

f mand the Necessary Duty at that place, and as he is the 
Senior Captain at present under my Command and an 
Active Officer, to hoist and wear a Distinguishing Pen- 
dant, except in the presence of a Senior Captain. 

I informed you in my Letter of the 26th. past of the 
number of small Vessels detained at this Port by Order 
of Vice Admiral Graves, several of which, that I could 
refit and Man, I have taken with me, and the others, 
either Sunk or destroyed, to prevent their being of use 

1 These vessels were driven out of their course to Antigua, whence 
they were to sail, under convoy, early in March. 

D38] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

to the Rebels, among which are two Vessels of Three 
hundred Tons belonging to the Notorious Rebel Han- 
cock, which were upon the Stocks. 

As the Chatham and Centurion drew too much 
Water to be moved from their Station before the Town, 
except with a particular Wind, and at a Critical time of 
tide, as soon as our retreat was determined on, I ordered 
their Captains to take the first favorable opportunity of 
moving those Ships down to King Road, and Ordered 
Captain Montagu in the Fowey up to Boston to Defend 
the Embarkation of the Troops and Transports, and 
Cover the retreat, which he has done with the greatest 
propriety and Officer-like Conduct; Captain Raynor 
had the Command and Regulation of the Embarkation 
on Shore, in which He, and the Officers under him, 
acquitted themselves with equal Propriety, and in the 
disposition formed in concert with the General, shewed 
themselves Active, Attentive, and Intelligent Officers; 
JI have the pleasure to acquaint you that the greatest 
Unanimity and Harmony subsists between His Maj- 
esty's Fleet and Army, each party endeavouring to 
emulate each other in giving the strongest proofs of 
their Zeal and forwardness in the Discharge of their 
mutual trust and duty to His Majesty and the impor- 
tant Cause we are Engaged in. 
I am 
Sir 

Your most Obedient Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed ij March 1776 j Vice Adml. Shuldham | R 
2 May I (i Inclosure) 

D39!] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLVNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIR.AL SHULDHAM^ ] 

I9h March 1776 
Sir 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having 
directed the Navy Board by their order of the 6h. In- 
stant to cause a proper assortment of Stores to be pro- 
vided for the Ships intended to be employed this Year 
in America of the several Classes mentioned on the 
other side hereof, And to get them in readiness to sail 
with Convoy from Spithead as soon as possible: Also to 
send out to America a set of Careening Geer tit for 
Ships of 50 Guns, in two different Ships, to be used 
where the Commanding Officers for the time being 
shall direct, I am commanded by their Lordships to 
acquaint you herewith. 

Their Lordships also direct me to ace]uaint you that 
the Levant Victualler (which was intended to have 
sailed with Sir Peter Parker, but prevented by spring- 
ing a Leak) is now ordered to proceed under Convoy of 
the Greyhound to join the Fleet under your Command, 
the Provisions on board being to be made use of in addi- 
tion to the other Measures taken for supplying the same. 
I am &c 

Geo: Jacksox D: S: 
Vice Adml. Shuldham at Boston 
in North America— By the Canceaux 
Duplicate sent to Mr. Pownall 29h March 

^ Admiralty Records. Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551. p. 304. 

C140] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Ships Guns 

I of 64 

7 50 

3 44 

^5 32 

J 2 28 

7 24 & 20 

16 Sloops 

2 Bombs 

I Fireship 

I Hospital Ship 

12 Schooners & Armed Ships 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Vice Adml. Lord Shuldham's Letter 

dated 23 March 1776. 

Nantasket Road Boston 23d. March 1776. 
Sir, 

[I acquainted you in my last of the 17th. instant of 
His Majesty's Troops being safely Embarked, and the 
Transports Anchored in King Road, from whence, as 
fast as they were Watered and ready for Sea they pro- 
ceeded to this place; where they are all collected and 
will proceed by the first opportunity of Wind and 
Weather under Convoy of the Ships in the Margin 
(Chatham, Centurion, Lively, Kingfisher Sloop, Tryal 
& Dispatch, Schooners), to Halifax; I have Ordered 
Captain Banks of the Renown to take under his Com- 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

mand such other of the small Cruizers as I can spare 
from this Service, and employ them Cruizing before 
this Port and in the track of such Vessels, as may be 
bound here with Supplies, and to see them in safety to 
Halifax, where I shall hope to receive their Lordships 
further directions; except the Operations of the Army 
make it necessary for me to move from that place, of 
which you shall have the earliest information.] 

The Princess Augusta Victualling Sloop Arriving 
yesterday, brought me your three Letters directed to 
Vice Admiral Graves of the 21st. November, One Sig- 
nifying His Majestys Bounty in the Disposal of that 
Vessel's Cargo of Sour Krout for the use of the Fleet, 
and the other Two Containing Intelligence of the 
Destination of Vessels from Philadelphia, which I shall 
pay proper regard to. 

His Majesty's Sloop Kingsfisher having Arrived yes- 
terday from Virginia, I send you Extract of Captain 
Hamond's Letter and some Intelligence accompanying 
/it, together with Copies of Letters lately received from 
//Mr. Arbuthnot and Governor Legge, and an Account 
/of a Vessel taken by Captain Graeme of the King's-fisher 
laden with Gunpowder, Salt Petre, and Sulphur from 
Port L'Orient, the Master and Mate of which, both 
Irish, I shall send to England as Prisoners, by the first 
safe Conveyance. 

Captain Hamond having Acquainted me that the 
Liverpool had Arrived at Virginia without a Second 
Lieutenant, I have Appointed Mr. Richard Boger to 
fill up that Vacancy, and sent his Commission to Cap- 
tain Hamond. 

/ I likewise transmit to you the State and Condition of 
such part of the Squadron as has yet come to hand since 

[142] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

//the Command devolved on me, With the Disposition of 
it, and a List of the Appointment of Officers. I am | Sir 

Your most Obedient Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 
P.S. 

By the next Conveyance I hope to be able to transmit 
to you, a List of such Seizures of the Rebel Vessels as 
have been made by the Cruizers, since the Command of 
His Majesty's Ships devolving upon me, Amounting to 
about Nine Sail at this port. 

Endorsed Vice Adml. Shuldham | R 2 May | (7 In- 
closures) 



Enclosure A 

Extract of a Letter from Captain Hamond to Rear 
Admiral Shuldham, dated Roebuck at Virginia the 
3d March 1776. 

Sir, 

By His Majesty's Ship the Mercury which arrived 
here the 17th. of last Month, I had the honor to receive 
your Orders respecting the River Delaware, and you 
may depend. Sir, that I will do my utmost to execute 
them : I confess, however that, I am of Opinion, as the 
River is now become rather formidable, a much larger 
force is necessary for that Service, than I am Able to 
carry thither from hence. 

I have only here the Liverpool, ill Manned and 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Sickly, the Otter in as bad a State, And the King's fisher 
Sloop : One Ship at least must be left at Norfolk to pro- 
tect the Governor and the Fleet there, and not less than 
Two can properly guard the Mouth of the Chesepeak 
bay. In my Judgment, Sir, not less than three or four 
Ships of good force with a small one to Cruize off the 
Capes Can promise much Success in opening the 
passage up so narrow a River, which the Rebels have 
employed their whole Art and Industry for this Year 
past to block up. 

I understand those Chevaux de Frizes which the 
Rebels have Sunk, have at least forty or fifty Tons of 
Ballast in them, which I conceive will be very difficult 
to raise, especially as they are protected by Batteries on 
the Jersey shore and the Armed Craft in the River: 
Therefore, Sir, if you should think proper to Send more 
Ships as I hope you will, I should be glad to have a few 
Howitzers or Cohorns which will certainly be of great 
Service. I must also take the liberty of Saying that as 
Philadelphia is now an object of great consequence, I 
really think, if any Troops can be Spared, Two or three 
hundred Men to land Occasionally on each side of the 
River would be a great Assistance to the Expedition. 
P.S. of a Private Letter from Captain Hamond, dated 
the 6th. March 1776.— 

"We have just received an Account that the Rebels 
"have met with a most total overthrow in North Caro- 
"lina." 

Endorsed Extract of a Letter from | Captain Hamond 
to Rear | Admiral Shuldham | dated Roebuck at Vir- 
ginia ! the 3d. March 1776.— | In V. A. Shuldham's \ 
of the 23 Mar. | i. 

D44II 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure B 

[ COMMISSIONER ARBUTHNOT TO VICE ADMIRAL 
SHULDHAM ] 

Copy Halifax 15th. February 1776. 

Sir, 

Yesterday a Corporal belonging to the 65th. Regi- 
ment arrived here express from Cumberland and 
brought an Account addressed to Brigadier General 
Massey from Lieutenant Barron of the King's Regi- 
ment, lately wounded at Boston; and Obtained General 
Howe's leave to pass the Winter with his Father who 
lives at that place. 

He says that Cumberland and its Neighbourhood 
have formed themselves into a Committee, the same as 
the other Rebellious Meetings, in which they are joined 
by the Acadians, and the Majority of the Country peo- 
ple in general thereabout; for what they Call the 
preservation of Liberty. 

They have resolved, to kill all the Bullocks, that re- 
main in those parts, which have been purchased for the 
use of the Army and salt them for the Subsistence of the 
Rebels, by whom they say they are to be joined as soon 
as the Season breaks. 

I have not the smallest doubt but the Rebels intend to 
make an Attempt upon this Province, the moment the 
Weather will permit, and I am no less confident that 
they have the hearts and good Wishes for Success, of by 
much the Major part of the People; under those Cir- 
cumstances, I should presume it becomes a Serious con- 
sideration, how this Province is to be preserved; (with 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

its present force :) I pronounce it impossible, barely five 
hundred fit for Duty at this moment out of Nine hun- 
dred Men upon Paper, as I hear. 

The Cerberus, alongside the Wharf for to be cleaned, 
the Orpheus's Masts I hope to get in the beginning of 
the Week, and shall lose no time in refitting her; and 
you may rest Assured that we will not be Surprised with 
the Cerberus dismantled, because, we will soon get her 
Guns in and put her in a State of defence, but what 
then! two Frigates commanded by all the Heights about 
this place. 

The Yard has had a Scaffolding erected round the 
Walls for Men to stand upon to fire over, but where are 
they? I have a Lieutenant and thirty Marines which 
Captain Le Cras left behind, by Order of Vice Admiral 
Graves; this is all I can reckon upon for I am Sure 
Brigadier Massey can spare none, neither will the State 
of the Frigates admit of any Assistance of consequence. 

I hope you will therefore excuse my repeating my 
Opinion, that Two, two Deck Ships are much wanted, 
for the defence of this place; And if the Nature of the 
Service is such that no Addition to our force can be 
spared; I mean to put the Stores at present in the Yard, 
into such Transports and Vessels as I can find, for their 
Security; which I hope you approve of. 

I could wish also, Sir, that you will procure a Vessel, 
for the business of my Sending you the earliest Account 
of our State; if you have none, here is a small Schooner, 
belonging to Captain Maltby, which can be purchased 
for loo pounds that will do, as I am told she sails well. 

I must likewise pray you will Order, a list of the 
Ships you mean to have Cleaned this Spring, that I may 
prepare for them. 

D463 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

You will find in a Letter to Admiral Graves a remark 
respecting Messrs. Grant issuing broken Species, such 
as Pork, Flour, &ca. and the rest are to be supplied out 
of the Fortitude Transport, by which you will perceive 
by the State of the said Ship herewith inclosed, that she 
has no more than Nine Puncheons of Beef left, and 
therefore I must request that you will Order a Supply 
of Beef to this place, or cause the Ships to be Victualled 
before they leave you ; for I cannot answer the Demand 
of the two Frigates at this place, when you may have 
commands for them. I am with the greatest Deference. 
Sir, 

Your most Obedient 

and most humble Servant 
Mt. Arbuthnot 

Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships & 
Vessels North America. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from | Mariot Arbuthnot 
Esqr. I to R. A. Shuldham | dated Halifax 15th. Feby. 
1776.— I In V. A. Shuldhams | of 23 March | 2 



Enclosure C 

[ GOVERNOR LEGGE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Copy. Halifax 25th. February 1776.— 

Sir, 

I take the first opportunity that offers to inform you, 
that by advices I received some time since from Cum- 

[1473 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

berland, the People there, have got intelligence, that 
Canada is in the hands of the Rebels, and that they pro- 
pose, an attempt from thence on this Province, early in 
the Spring, By the Bay of Verte, this has thrown the 
people of that Country into great confusion, from 
which it is apprehended, that the greatest part of those 
Inhabitants, who were originally from the Colonies, 
will at least remain Neuter, if they do not Join them, 
I have laid these matters before the Council, and shall 
transmit to General Howe, their Results thereupon. 

I thought it my Duty to give you the Earliest Notice, 
that proper steps might be taken to prevent, if possible 
a Descent on this Province, from that Quarter, which 
unless opposed, they might easily effect, if they are in 
possession of Quebec, they will thereby, have in their 
hands a Frigate, a Sloop of War, and the Gaspee Brig, 
and therefore will require a considerable Naval Force 
to oppose them: I apprehend they will not be able to 
leave Quebec, till the first of May unless there should 
be an early Spring, the Navigation of the Gulph is free 
about a fortnight before the River of Canada is open, 
and as the places of Descent must be either in the Bay 
of Verte, Tatamagouch, or Pictou Harbour, a Course 
of Shore about twenty Leagues. Ships Stationed be- 
tween St. John's Island, and that part of this Country, 
would effectually prevent it. 

How certain this Intelligence may be I am not suffi- 
ciently Authorized to Affirm, but from the proceedings 
of the People at Cumberland, their having their Con- 
gresses, and meetings to consult upon the measures they 
shall pursue, gives it the greatest Air of Truth. 

Captain Barry, my Secretary, who will have the 
honor to deliver you this, from his Situation here is well 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

enabled to give any further information in this, or any 
other respect, relative to the Province, that you may 
think necessary to require. I am with great respect. 

Sir, &ca. 
Signed, Frans. Legge. 

Admiral Shuldham. 

Endorsed Copy of a Letter from His | Excellency Govr. 
Legge to I Rear Admiral Shuldham, | dated Halifax 
25th. Febry 1776.— | In Vice Adml. Shuldham's | of 
23 March | 3. 



[149] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
Enclosure D 



An Account of Ships & Vessels Seized or Taken by His 

between the 23 d. Feby. 



When Seized 


Where 


Name of the 


From 
Whence 


Where 


or Taken 








Bound 






Vessels 


Masters 


Owners 






1776 


Off the Capes 






John Pringle 


Waterford 




28th Feby. 


of 
Philadelphia 


Juno 


Wm. Keith 


and 
Wm. Keith 


last from 
Ft. L'Orient 


Philadelphia 



Copy 



Endorsed Copy | Account of a Vessel Seized | by Captain 
Petre, and | Sulpher, from Port L'Orient | bound to 
4- 



^ 


DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 




Majestys Sloop King's Fisher Alexr. Graeme Esqr. Commander 
and the 23d. March 1776.— 


Lading 


To what 
Port Sent 


Respecting the Crew & Passengers 




Names 


Qualities 


Where Born 


Intelligence 


Gunpowder 
Salt Petre & 
Sulpher 


Norfolk 

Virginia 


Wm. Keith 
Robt. Cunningham 
Hugh Johnston 
Thos. Pringle 
Thos. George 
John Dennis 
Edwd. Corran 
Wm. Richmond 
Danl. McCartney 
John Sinclair 
Danl. McMichael 


Master 

Mate 

Seaman 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Boy 
Seaman 

Boy 

Do. 


Ireland 

Do. 
Philadelphia 
Ireland 
England 
Hungary 
Ireland 

Do. 

Do. 
Scotland 
Philadelphia 




Graeme of the 
Philadelphia | 


King's F 
[n V. A. S 


isher, laden with | Gi 
)huldhams | of the 23 


inpowder, 
March [ 

I 


Signed A 
Salt 


exr. Graeme 







Enclosure E 




Dis 


position of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America 


Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 






4th 


Chatham | 


Real Admiral Shuldham j 
Capt. John Raynor 3 








Renown 
Centurion 


" Frans. Banks 

" Richd. Brathwaite 






6th 


Lively 


" Thos. Bishop 






5th 


Niger 


" Geo. Talbot 






6th 


Fowey 


" Geo. Montagu 




Sloop 




Savage 


" Hugh Bromedge 


■ At Boston 


(( 




Nautilus 


" John Collins 




(( 




Kings fisher 


" Alexr. Graeme, Actg. 




Brig 




Diligent 


Lieut. Edmd. Dod 




Store ship 




Adventure 


" John Hallum 




Brig 




Hope 


" Geo. Dawson 




Schooner 




Tryal 


" John Brown 




(< 




Dispatch 


" John Goodridge 






6th 


Rose 


Capt. James Wallace 


-.._--- 




" 


Glasgow 


" Tyrm. Howe 


► At Rhode 


Sloop 




Swan 


" Jas. Ayscough 




Brig 




Bolton 


Lieut. Edwd. Sneyd 







5th 


Phoenix 


Capt. Hyde Parker 


[ At New 




3d 


Asia 


" Geo. Vandeput 


. 


Sloop 




Viper 


" Saml. Graves, Actg. 


Supposed to 
late Intelli- 




5tl 


1 Roebuck 


" A. S. Hamond 






6tl 


1 Liverpool 


" Heny. Bellew 


l At Vir- 


Sloop 




Otter 


" Mattw. Squire 
[152] 


- 



under the Command of Rear Admiral Shuldham. 

Disposition 

In Nantasket Road, j^njler Orders to proceed with a Fleet of Transports to 
(Halifax. 
■Q _ _ I Under Orders to Cruize and Rendezvous occasionally in Nan- 
(tasket Road, and Boston Bay. 

[Ordered to accompany and protect the Fleet of Transports to 
Do. " " '1 Halifax, and then to return, and put himself under the com- 

[mand of Capt. Banks. 
P)^ S Ordered to accompany and protect the Fleet of Transports to 

/^°; ■ " '"^ Halifax. 
Cruizing in Boston Bay under the Command of Capt. Banks. 

f Under Orders to proceed with those Transports which are 
In Nantasket Road, ready to Halifax, and then to return and put himself under 
I the Command of Capt. Banks. 
T~) _ _ ) Ordered to New York under the Command of Capt. 
^Parker. 

f Ordered to Rhode Island with Dispatches (to be sent to the 
Do. " ■ ■ 1 Southward by the Glasgow) and from thence to proceed to the 
Island Bermuda. 



T^ S Ordered to Accompany and protect the Fleet of Transports to 

^°- ■ " '^Halifax. 

Y) j Ordered to proceed with the Fowey, to accompany and protect 

^ the Fleet of Transports to Halifax. 
Do. - - - Ordered to accompany the Convoy to Halifax. 

Cruizing in Boston Bay, under the Command of Capt. Banks. 

In Nantasket Road 1/-wjj^ j ...ut-i r^ 

I Ordered to accompany and protect the Fleet of Transports to 

Do. J ^^^'^^^- 

- - - Ordered to Halifax to refit. 

■ - - Ordered to the Southwd. with Dispatches and to remain at Virginia. 
Island — 

■ - - -1 Ordered to Cruize between the Latitudes of 42. .OO and 43. .20 N. and 
^Longitude of St. Georges Bank And to be under the Command of Capt. 

J 

York. 



36 blown off the Coast when on her passage to New York, and by 
^ence Arrived at Antigua. 



gmia. 



- Banks at Nantasket. 



DS33 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 


Sloop 




Cruizer 


Capt. Frans. Parry 


(( 




Scorpion 


" Honble. John ToUemache 




6 


Mercury 


" James Montagu 


Sloop 




Falcon 


" John Linzee 


(( 




Tamer 


" Edwd. Thornbrough 




6th 


Scarborough 


" Andw. Barkley 


Sloop 




Raven 


" John Stanhope 


Schooner 




St. Lawrence 


Lt. John Graves 


(< 




Hinchinbrook 


" Alexr. Ellis 


(< 




St. John 


" Willm. Grant 


Arm'd Ship 




Cherokee 


" John Ferguson 


Sloop 




Merlin 


Capt. Wm, Chair. Burnaby 


C( 




Senegal 


" Wm. Duddingston 




5th 


Orpheus 


" Chas. Hudson 




6 


Cerberus 


" John Symons 


Schooner 




Halifax 


Lieut. Wm. Quarme 




6th 


Lizard 


Capt. Wm. Hamilton 


Sloop 




Hunter 


" Thos. Mackenzie 


Brig 




Gaspee 


Lt. Willm. Hunter 



Chatham in Nantasket Road, 



Endorsed In V. A. Shuldham's | Letter of 23, 



D543 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Disposition 



Ordd. to Boston this Spring by V. A. Graves. 

^At North Carolina. 



supposed to be Cruizing off Cape Fear with General Clinton 
)n board and three Transport with Troops under her Convoy. 
Supposed to be Cruizing off Cape Fear. 

\t South Carolina. Ordered to Boston this Spring by Vice Adml. Graves. 



Supposed to be at Savannah, 



\.t St. Augustine. Ordered to Boston this Spring by Vice Adml. Graves. 

Jailed with the Scarborough to relieve the St. Lawrence. 

\t the Bahama Islands. 

supposed to be Surveying the Southern Coast. 

\t Annapolis Royal 



Vt Liverpool 

-At Halifax refitting 



-Nova Scotia. 



At Quebec. 



Lieut. Hunter and part of the Crew taken Prisoners 
(by the Rebels) at the Island St. John. 



Boston 22d. March 1776. 



Vlarch | 1776 | 6. 



M : Shuldham 



CiSS] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

27h March 1776 
Sir 

The Ordnance Board having been made acquainted 
with your representation in your Letter of the zSh. Janu- 
ary last of the great scarcity of ordnance small Stores at 
Halifax for the use of the Fleet, particularly three and 
four Pound Shot for the small Cruizers ; And they hav- 
ing in return, by their Letter of the 23d Instant, ac- 
quainted my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 
that a Supply of ordnance Stores is already sent to Hali- 
fax, and that a further supply is getting ready for that 
purpose, I am commanded by their Lordships to 
acquaint you therewith, in further answer to your Let- 
ter abovementioned I am &c 

Geo: Jackson D:S. 

Vice Admiral Shuldham at 

Boston Sent to Mr. Pownall 29 March 

Duplicate sent by the Conceaux 19 April 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 352. 



1:1563 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Nantasket Road 27th March 1776. 
Sir, 

The day following the date of my last Letter which I 
sent by the Lord Hyde Packet, (Duplicate of which 
accompany's this) I was joined by the Milford, and 
Captain Burr delivered to me the Orders and Letters 
undermentioned, to which I shall pay all due attention. 

Their Lordships Order of the 6th. of October 1775, 
to take the Syren under my Command; three Orders of 
the same Nature respecting the Boreas, Actaeon, and 
Triton, dated the 20th. October 1775; An Order dated 
the 2ist. October 1775 to send to Halifax, the Artificers 
who came out to be employed in the King's Yard there; 
An Order of the 24th. October 1775 to send the Fore- 
man to the Smiths, to Halifax with the Artificers; and 
one to take the Milford under my Command dated 5th. 
January 1776. 

Your Letter of the 20th. October 1775, signifying 
their Lordships direction that I should send the Charm- 
ing Sally, an Ordnance Store Ship, under a proper Con- 
voy to Halifax, another dated the 4th. November 
informing me of their Lordships having directed the 
Navy Board to send Three hundred Jackets for the use 
of the Marines serving on board the Ships under my 
Command; one of the nth. November to acquaint me 
of Sir Peter Parker's being Ordered to North or South 
Carolina; another of the same date with four Inclosures 
of Articles of Intelligence relative to the Rebels Trad- 

ni573 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

ing to European Ports for Warlike Stores ; two others of 
the same date inclosing Schedules of Packets for the 
different Governors; one of the 17th. November ac- 
quainting me that two Subaltern Marine Officers were 
Ordered to Boston in the Triton two of the 19th. No- 
vember one of which inclosed Commissions for Cap- 
tains Montagu, Graeme, and Graves, the other a 
Commission for Lieutenant Tyffe of the Marines who is 
on board the Experiment; From Mr. Jackson, one of 
the 4th. January 1776 respecting a Ship from Port L' 
Orient bound to some American Port laden with Salt 
Petre; another dated the 5th. January to inform me the 
Men sent to England from Fyal belonging to the Re- 
nown and Experiment were sent out in the Milford and 
Grey hound ; one of the 6th. of the same Month convey- 
ing to me their Lordships pleasure that I should send 
the Artificers who were to have come out in the Boreas, 
but now Arrived in the Milford, to Halifax; Five of 
the 8th. January one of them signifying Sir Peter 
Parker's being on his passage to Cork, and of some 
Alterations made respecting the Ships of his Squadron; 
another to inform me of American Armed Vessels 
being in the Gulph of St. Lawrence and Canso Bay; 
one accompanying intelligence from Virginia and 
Maryland; the two others with the late Acts of Parlia- 
ment and the King's Proclamation, and Draughts of 
different parts of the Coast of America; two of the 9th. 
one of them to signify their Lordships directions to me 
that such Men as had been taken from the Transports 
by His Majesty's Ships, should be returned to the 
Transports from whence they were taken; the other 
acquainting me of there being sent Marine Treatises, 
Statutes and Books of Instructions ; and one of the i6th., 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

inclosing a Duplicate Order relative to the Ordnance 
Stores on the Islands of Bermuda and Providence. 

I think it necessary to inform you that the Charming 
Sally laden with Ordnance Stores mentioned in your 
Letter of the 20th. October 1775 is not yet arrived, and 
I must likewise acquaint you that the Brownhall which 
by your Letter of the 20th. September 1775. to Vice 
Admiral Graves, informs me was Ordered hither with 
Naval Stores is also not arrived, nor have I had intelli- 
gence of either of them, I have further to add that the 
disappointment of the Arrival of these Ships has occa- 
sioned him a great scarsity of Naval Stores, and that 
many Species of Ordnance Stores are much wanted by 
the Fleet, particularly for the small Arm'd Vessels. 
I am 
Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 27 March 1776 | Nantasket | Vice Adml. 
Shuldham | R 6 June | 5 oclock P.M. 



DS93 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE ADMIRALTY TO 
VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

By&c. 

Whereas it is intended that Lord Viscount Howe, 
Vice Admiral of the Blue, shall proceed from Spithead 
in the course of next Month with a considerable Body 
of British and Foreign Troops to reinforce the Army 
under the command of General Howe, and that his 
Lordship shall take upon him the Chief command of 
His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employ'd, and to be 
employed, in North America, and co-operate with the 
General in such Measures as shall be judged proper to 
be taken to quell the Rebellion which unhappily sub- 
sists in some of His Majesty's Colonies there; You are 
hereby required and directed to assemble at Boston such 
of the Ships and Vessels under your command as can be 
spared from other necessary Services, and continue with 
part of them in that Port and to keep others cruizing off 
that part of the Coast to meet his Lordship, until he 
arrives, taking care that they be held in constant readi- 
ness for the Sea ; But if you shall learn that his Lordship 
instead of going to Boston, as is now intended, shall 
have proceeded to some other Port in North America, 
You are to concert with General Howe what part of the 
Naval Force it might be proper to leave at Boston in 
case he himself should continue, or should leave any 
part of the Army there, and proceed with the remainder 
to join Lord Howe at the Port where you learn he is ; 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Orders and Instruc- 
tions, vol. lOO, p. 561. 

ni6o3 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Or, if it should be the General's Intention to proceed 
with the Troops from Boston to the Port where his 
Lordship with the abovemention'd Reinforcement shall 
be, You are, in such case to give all necessary assistance 
in embarking the Troops, and to convoy the General 
and then to such Port accordingly. 

Upon joining Lord Howe you are to deliver to him 
attested Copies of our Instructions to you, and of such 
Orders as you shall have received from Us which re- 
main in the whole, or in any part unexecuted; And to 
furnish his Lordship with such Information as may be 
necessary or in any degree useful to him in the execu- 
tion of the important Service on which he is to be 
employed; And you are to put yourself under His 
Lordships command and follow his Orders for your 
farther proceedings. Given &c. the 29th. March 1776 

Sandwich 



J BULLER 
LiSBURNE 



To 

Molineux Shuldham Esq. 
Vice Adml. of the Blue & Commr. 
in Chief of His Majts. Ships & Vessels 
in North America, 
at Boston 

By&c. 

G.J.D.S. 



[161] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ^ ] 

29h March 1776 
Sir 

Having in obedience to the Commands of my Lords 
Commissioners of the Admiralty in my Letter of the 
8h January last acquainted you with all that was then 
necessary respecting the Ships under the command of 
Sir Peter Parker I now do myself the honor to inform 
you that Sir Peter Parker put to Sea from Cork with 
the Ships and Transports under his Convoy on the i2h. 
day of the last Month but after being six days at Sea 
was met by bad weather which seperated him from 
part of his Convoy— Such of these as have put into 
Ports in England have been refitted and ordered to as- 
semble at Plymouth, and they are now waiting to pro- 
ceed under convoy of the Ranger which will put to Sea 
the moment the wind is favorable. 

The Greyhound has been under Orders some time to 
join you, and is now on her way to Cork where she will 
take a Convoy of Victuallers and others and her Cap- 
tain on his arrival at Boston is ordered to put himself 
under your Command and follow your directions for 
his further proceedings. 

Besides this Ship there have sailed the Iris and 
Triton for the River St. Lawrence and with them two 
large Ships named in the Margin with Lieutenants to 
command them, (Lord Howe— Lieut. Pringle, Bute- 
Lieut. Parrey) which last mentioned Ships after land- 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, P- 358. 

C1623 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

ing the Troops they have on board are to be fitted as 
armed Ships and put on the establishment of Sloops, 
and the said Lieutenants are then to take upon them the 
command as such ; having Commissions from their 
Lordships appointing them thereto. 

These four Ships have taken in Troops intended for 
the relief of Quebeck, and have Orders to use their ut- 
most endeavours to that end, and to remain at Quebeck 
or in the River St. Lawrence til they shall receive direc- 
tions from you or the Commanding Officer of the 
Squadron in North America whose Command they are 
then to put themselves under. 

Having obeyed their Lordships commands in these 
particulars you will I hope believe that I am &c. 

Geo. Jackson D : S. 
Vice Admiral Shuldham 

at Boston 
Sent to Mr. Pownall zgh March 
Duplicate sent by the Canceaux 19 April 



[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

I St. April 1776 
Sir 

Mr. Robinson, Secretary of the Treasury, having 
transmitted to my Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
miralty a Letter from Mr. Stanley, Secretary of the 
Customs dated the 26 past, accompanied by an Extract 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, P- 381. 

D633 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

of one from Mr. Kelly of the Active Cutter in that 
Service dated z^h. past, respecting a Philadelphia Brig 
then at Dunkirk which had taken on board between 30 
and 40 Tons of Shot, and were to receive Gunpowder 
expected from Holland, which Ship was to clear out for 
Ireland, but her real destination is for North America; 
I am commanded by their Lordships to send you the 
inclosed Copies of the said Letters, for your informa- 
tion. I am &c 

Geo. Jackson D : S : 
Vice Admiral Shuldham 
At Boston— By the Canceaux. 18 Apr 



[ GEORGE JACKSON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

3rd. April 1776 
Sir 

My Lords Commissioners of the Admty having re- 
ceived a Paper of intelligence dated Hague March 
26th. 1776 of three Ships having a Quantity of Gun- 
powder on board which it is said are intended to be 
conveyed to North America I am commanded by their 
Lordships to send you herewith a Copy thereof for your 
information. I am &ca. 

G Jackson DS 
Vice Adml. Shuldham at Boston 
By the Canceaux 18 Apr. 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 388. 

D643 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour i6th April 1776. 
Sir, 

I am to inform you that His Majesty's Sloop Viper 
belonging to the Squadron under my Command which 
had been blown ofif the Coast and forced to bear away 
to the West Indies, arrived here yesterday from An- 
tigua; and the Hawke Sloop having lost her Masts and 
forced to that Island by stress of Weather, Admiral 
Young^ has transmitted to me the Dispatches which 
were to have been brought out in her; but as Duplicates 
of those Orders and Letters have been already received 
and acknowledged, I omit particularizing them. 

The Packets for several of the Southern Governors, 
as mentioned in Captain Cooper of the Hawke's Order, 
(a Schedule of which is therein inclosed) I have also 
received, and shall forward them by the first Oppor- 
tunity. 

Admiral Young having transmitted to me an Account 
of such Ships and Vessels as were destined to America, 
and had been driven to Antigua I have the pleasure to 
inform you that the Layton, Killingworth, Resolution, 
and Manners, Victuallers are among the number, with 
several other Ships laden with Coals, Porter, Vege- 
tables &ca. The Layton is Arrived here with the 
Viper, and the others Admiral Young informed me 
would be ready to Sail from thence by the first of 

^ James Young, Admiral of the Red and Commander-in-Chief on 
the Leeward Islands Station, April, 1775-July, 1778. 

1:1653 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

March, and would come under Convoy of the Experi- 
ment, which Ship has also been forced to Antigua. 

I have the further pleasure of acquainting you, that 
the Albion, on board which Ship you inform me by 
your Letter of the 21st. November were Vegitables for 
the use of the Fleet, is among those, of which I have 
received information from Admiral Young. 

I am 
Sir 
Your Most Obedient Servant 
M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 16 Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham | 
R 6 June 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour i6th April 

1776. 
Sir, 

I am to inform you that pursuant to their Lordships 
directions to me, I have Ordered the Nautilus to Ber- 
muda for the protection of His Majesty's Stores on that 
Island. The Saint-John Armed Schooner has been for 
a considerable time at the Island of Providence, but as 
I am informed by Lieutenant Grant who Commands 
her, that she is very much out of repair and in want of 
Stores, I intend to relieve him as soon as it is in my 
power; But as the safeguard and protection of the Store 

[166] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Ships and Victuallers which are hourly and impatiently 
expected upon the Coast, is an object of so great im- 
portance, it is impossible for me at present to dispense 
with the want of any one of the few Cruizers I have for 
that purpose; and I must further add that the Milford 
is the only Ship which has joined me from England 
since this Command has devolved upon me, except the 
Orpheus which I found here, and not yet ready for Sea, 
so that I have not Ships to appropriate to the various 
Services that demand my attention. Captain Banks in 
the Renown remains in Nantasket Road, and has the 
Command of the Cruizers in Boston Bay, to intercept 
and send to this place the Ships with the Supplies Or- 
dered to Boston, and which will consequently be ig- 
norant of the removal of the Fleet and Army. 

You having by your Letter of the nth. November 
communicated to me their Lordships desire that I 
should send a Reinforcement to Sir Peter Parker; in 
answer thereto I am to acquaint you, the Experiment 
which you mention, having been drove to the West 
Indies is not yet arrived, but is daily expected, and I 
have left with Captain Banks Orders for her to proceed 
immediately on her Arrival upon that Service, and it is 
my intention agreable to their Lordships recommenda- 
tion, to send another Ship to him as soon as the Arrival 
of the Victuallers and Storeships will permit me to alter 
the present disposition of the Squadron. 

Mr. Jackson by his Letter of the 8th. January inform- 
ing me of several American Armed Vessels Cruizing in 
the Bay of Canso, and one in the Gulph of St. Law- 
rence, I have to acquaint you that I have not as yet been 
able to send a Ship to either of these places, but I intend 
the Orpheus for that Service, the moment she can be 

n'673 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

got ready, and I mean to send another as soon as it may 
be in my power. 

Their Lordships will observe by the State and Con- 
dition of the several Ships sent herewith, how much 
short of Complement some of them are; and they will 
be pleased to consider the impossibility of Supplying in 
this Country the losses Sustained by Deaths and Deser- 
tion, the total cessation of commerce, rendering Press 
Warrants very ineffectual for that purpose. 

I am I Sir | Your most Obedt. Servant 

M : Shuldham 

Endorsed i6 Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham \ 
R 6 June 



[VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour i6th. April 1776. 
Sir, 

I am to inform you that I left Nantasket Road on the 
27th. March with the Centurion, Lively, and Tryal 
Armed Schooner, the Transports with the Troops and 
other Vessels, and that the whole Fleet arrived at this 
place on the 2d. April; and I have much satisfaction in 
acquainting you that not the least accident or loss hap- 
pened during the passage. 

Captain Hamond of the Roebuck having by his Let- 
ter of the 3d. March (an Extract of which I sent you 
with my last) acquainted me that the Liverpool and 
Otter were in want of sundry Stores, and short of Pro- 

[168: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

visions, I have sent a Supply for them by the Fowey, and 
have Ordered Captain Montagu to continue under the 
direction of Captain Hamond; I have also added the 
Glasgow to the Ships under his Command, so that with 
the Force he will now have, I hope he may be able to 
effect some, if not all the Services in the Delaware, pur- 
suant to their Lordships directions. 

I am Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servant— 

M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed K 6 June 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour 17th. April 1776. 
Sir, 

I have the pleasure to acquaint you I have received 
information that the Brownhall, laden with Naval 
Stores, and destined to this place, is safe at Antigua, 
where she is said to have arrived the 13th. of February 
last, and I hope this Ship may be ready to avail herself 
of the Convoy of the Experiment. 

[The arrival of that Ship will be a very seasonable 
Supply to us, although I fear by no means adequate to 
our wants; for I must beg their Lordships to consider, 
that added to the Demands from the numerous Squad- 
ron under my Command, I have many applications 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

from the Transports for Pitch Tar and Sundry Articles 
of Naval Stores, which cannot be by any means Pur- 
chased in this Country; and as the good Condition of 
these Ships (which already amount to a very great num- 
ber and must necessarily be more) is of the greatest 
consequence to His Majesty's Service, the method by 
which they may be Supplied deserves the most serious 
Consideration.] I am | Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed ij Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham | R 
6 June 



[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM' ] 

1 8th. April 1776 
Sir 

Inclosed you will please to receive a Duplicate of a 
Letter of the 29th. of Last month wherein you are in- 
formed of every thing which at that time occurr'd to 
my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty necessary 
for your information, in addition to what were con- 
tained in other Letters & Orders forwarded by the same 
conveyance. 

^ Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 457- 

D703 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

In the aforesaid Letter mention is made of the 
Ranger being appointed to convoy the Stragglers from 
Sir Peter Parkers Fleet; I am now to acquaint you that 
the said sloop sailed from Plymouth, on the 28th. of 
Last month, with the ships mentioned in the inclosed 
List marked A and that by Letters from Captn. Dick- 
son of the Greyhound, also mentioned in the aforesaid 
Letter, My Lords are informed she sail'd from Cork, on 
the 5th. inst, having a Convoy consisting of four Ord- 
nance Storeships, five Army Victuallers and the Levant 
with provisions for the use of the Seamen in the Fleet 
under your command, the Names of which are men- 
tioned in the List B. This last Ship was originally 
meant to have accompanied the Ships which sailed with 
Sir Peter Parker, but not arriving at Cork in time, and 
from other circumstances, their Lordships have found 
it most advisable to send her to Boston, and they leave 
it to your discretion to send her or any other Victualler 
to join Sir Peter as you shall see fit, observing that from 
this deviation of the Orders to the Servant, the Ships 
under his command have no other supplies than the 
provisions each ship carried from England. 

In addition to the Ships & Troops which you have 
been acquainted had sailed for the relief of Quebec; 
there have also sailed for the same place two convoy's 
One from Plymouth on the 7th. inst consisting of the 
Juno & Blonde with Transports carrying a Body of 
Brunswick & Hanau Troops whose numbers are about 
3,000 Men, and the 21st. Regiment: & they likewise 
give Convoy to several Ordnance Storeships, the Names 
of all which Transports and Storeships are in the List 
C. The other Convoy sail'd from Cork on the 8th. 
instt. & consists of the Carysfort & Pearl with Trans- 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

ports having on board seven Battalions of British 
Troops whose names are in the List D. 

Some other Vessels which were intended to have 
joined the Convoy from Plymouth, but could not be got 
ready in time, are now collecting & so soon as they are 
all at Plymouth will proceed to Quebec under Convoy 
of the Tartar, their Names you will find in the List E. 

The Captains of the Carysfort & Pearl, Juno and 
Blonde have the same Orders as were given to the Cap- 
tains of the Isis & Triton, which are to remain at 
Quebec til' they receive directions from you, & then to 
follow such Orders as you may think fit to give them 
for their further Proceedings : The Tartar will proceed 
under the like Orders. 

There are two Highland Regiments consisting of 
3,500 Men under Orders to be embark'd in the River 
Clyde & to join the Army under the Command of Gen- 
eral Howe; The Transports appointed to carry them 
are now in the Clyde, ready to take the Troops on board, 
and the Flora in on the Way thither to take them under 
Convoy, and proceed to join General Howe's Army 
accordingly; and having so done her Captain is directed 
to put himself under your Command. 

Since the appointment of Lord Viscount Howe to the 
Chief Command of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels in 
North America, My Lords have thought it necessary to 
Order Captn. Hotham to proceed thither in the Pres- 
ton, with a distinguishing Pendant & with a Captn. 
under him ; And I am to inform you the Eagle in which 
Lord Howe will hoist his Flag as well as the Preston 
are now at Spithead & ready to put to Sea. But those 
Ships with the Emerald Brune & Repulse, The Jersey 
Hospital Ship, Strombolo Fireship & Carcass Bomb 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

are all unavoidably detained at Spithead waiting the 
arrival (which however is daily expected) of a body of 
about 9,100 Hessian Troops: but so soon as that hap- 
pens, and the arrangements which always attends upon 
so great a number of Troops are made, they will sail 
with the Transports having the said Troops on board, 
together with those appointed to carry a Party of His 
Majtys. Foot Guard's somewhat exceeding 1,000 Men. 

There will go under this last mentioned Convoy the 
several Navy Victuallers named in the Margin, (Suc- 
cess, Nancy, Success increase. Integrity, Stanly, Brit- 
tannia. Providence, Medway, Shipwright, Alborough) 
except the Alborough whose destination is changed 
from Boston to Quebec, loaded with four months Pro- 
visions for 10,000 Seamen, the particulars of which will 
be transmitted to you by the Commissrs. of the victual- 
ling, there will sail at the same time a Storeship with all 
kinds of Naval Stores to replenish the Magazines at 
Halifax, but she will be ordered to call first at Boston 
to give opportunity for any part of the Cargo to be taken 
out that may be wanted for ships which may be there at 
the time, & in this you will please to govern yourself as 
you shall see fit. 

There is in a Naval Storeship which sailed with Sir 
Peter Parker a Compleat Set of careening Geer; An- 
other is put on board the Storeship aforementioned; 
And a third Set with a further assortment of Stores is 
providing & will be sent as soon as possible to be made 
use of at such Ports or Places as the same may be found 
applicable to. 

Besides the provisions now sending out for the Fleet 
which are calculated to serve to the 4th. of December 
next, a further supply for 4 Months for 13,000 Men is 

[173:] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

collecting, which their Lprdships expect may sail in 
about Six Week; & by the end of August the like supply 
will be ready, which when arrived it is computed will 
serve to the beginning of August, 1777. And in the 
Orders for furnishing these Supplies, the Commissrs. of 
the Victualling are directed to provide & send sufficient 
Quantities of Candles for the time, and for the Number 
of Men last mentioned. 

My Lords have frequent accounts of the assiduity of 
the Rebels in sending out Vessels with Trade to foreign 
Parts to barter for Arms and Ammunition, which make 
their Lordships extremely solicitous it may be watched, 
and prevented as far as possible; and of which they 
have great hopes from the Number of Ships and small 
vessels employ'd under you Command, & the Orders 
given to the same purpose to the Admiral's command- 
ing at Jamaica, Leeward Islands & in the Mediterra- 
nean, their Lordships cannot doubt of your vigilence, 
as you, and every other Officer in His Majesty's Service, 
must be sensible the putting a Stop to this intercourse is 
of the first importance, & cannot fail of producing the 
most desireable Effects. By a Vessel which came from 
Philadelphia with Flour &ca. for Nantz,^ where Arms 
& Ammunition were to be taken in exchange, but which 
was seized on the Passage by the Mate & Seamen & is 
now brought into Bristol, their Lordships have learnt 
several particulars proper for your Information, & the 
same are therefore transmitted for that purpose in a 
printed Paper accompanying this, which is found to 
correspond with the whole of what the Mate gave in 
upon examination in their presence; the Ship & Cargo 
are order'd to be proceeded against in the High Court 
1 Nantes, France. 

D743 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

of Admiralty, and in case of being condemned there, it 
is apprehended the Court will Order a Considerable 
part, or perhaps the whole of the Value to be given to 
the Mate & Seamen as a Reward for their Loyalty in 
seizing the Vessel aforementioned, and which it is their 
Lordships directions you make known as fully as you 
have opportunities of doing in hopes it may prove an 
Encouragement to others to do the same Justice to their 
Country as has been done by those Men. I am &ca. 

P:S: 
Vice Admiral Shuldham at Boston. 

By the Canceaux 19 April 
A Duplicate sent 26th. Aprl. with all its Inclosures,^ by 

Commodore Hotham.^ 
A copy also given to Lord Howe. 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour i8th. April 1776. 
Sir, 

General Howe having thought proper to send three 
Transports with a Reinforcement of the 47th. Regt. to 
General Carleton at Quebec, and having made applica- 
tion to me for a Convoy to conduct them thither, I am 
to inform you that I have Ordered Captain Talbot of 

^ The lists A, B, etc., mentioned in the letter follow in the vol- 
ume, but have not here been printed. 

- William Hotham, First Lord Hotham. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the Niger to take the said Transports under his care, 
and proceed with them accordingly. 
I am 
Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servt. 

M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed i8 Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham | 
R 6 June 



[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 



19th. April 1776. 
Sir 

The West India Merchants having applied to my 
Lords Commissrs. of the Admty for the protection of 
their Homeward bound Trade, and their Lordships 
having sent directions to Vice Adml. Gayton Com- 
mander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels at 
Jamaica, to appoint Convoy to see the trade from eighty 
to one hundred & twenty Leagues Clear of that Island, 
& to Vice Adml. Young Commander in Chief of His 
Majesty's Ships & Vessels at Barbadoes the Leeward 
Islands, to appoint Convoy to see it, from eighty to one 
hundred & Twenty Leagues clear of Anguilla ; And my 
Lords being desirous that the Trade should have every 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, p. 469. 

[176] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Protection that can be given to it, they therefore com- 
mand me to signify their direction to you (in addition 
to those aforementioned) that you order the Captns. of 
such of His Majestys Ships and Sloops under your 
Command as you shall think fit, to cruize occasionally 
off the Bermuda Islands, and in the Tract of the Home- 
ward bound West India Trade, with Instructions not 
only to use their best endeavours to secure the Trade of 
His Majesty's Subjects, but to take or destroy any 
Rebell Cruizers they may happen to meet with in those 
parts. I am &ca. 

P. S. 
Vice Adml. Shuldham at Boston 
By the Canceaux 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Halifax Harbour 19th. April 1776. 
Sir 

I am sorry to acquaint you that yesterday Captain 
Howe arrived here very unexpectedly in His Majesty's 
Ship Glasgow having on the 6th. Instant off Rhode 
Island fallen in with and been attack'd by several 
Armed Vessels of the Rebels, in which Action she re- 
ceived so much damage that she was thought unfit to 
proceed on the execution of the Orders Captain Howe 
had received for carrying General Howe's and my 
Dispatches to the Southward, which were unluckily 
/thrown into the Sea ; Herewith I transmit to you a Copy 
of Captain Howes Account of that Action together with 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

/a Copy of Captain Wallaces Letter to me on the same 
subject, and as I find the Glasgow is in so shattered a 
Condition, and would require so much time, and more 
Stores than there is in this Yard to put her into proper 
repair, I intend sending her to Plymouth as soon as she 
can be got ready. 

I am 
Sir 
' Your most Obedt. Servant 

M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 19 Apl. 1776 | Halifax \ V. A. Shuldham | 
R 6 June | (2 Inclosures) 



Enclosure A 

[ CAPTAIN WALLACE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Copy Rose, at Sea the loth. April 1776. 

Sir, 

I am Honoured with your Orders and Letter by the 
Nautilus of the 20th. 22d. & 23d. Ulto. for sending His 
Majesty's Ship Glasgow to the Southward, and the 
Bolton and Swan to Cruize on each side of St. George's 
Bank, agreeable thereto, I immediately gave them their 
Orders, but still desired them not to seperate, 'till we 
had all got out of the Port, and executed a a piece 
of Service I had in View— The Bolton Brig, and the 
Armed Schooner belonging to us, was desired to Cruize 

1:178: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

off Block Island 'till joined by us-The 5th. Instant we 
got under way, and Turned out of the Port, but being 
Apprehensive, some of our Sternmost Vessels would not 
be able to get out. Bore up, and Anchored again with 
the Squadron, except His Majesty's Ship Glasgow, who 
stood on, and about 3 OClock the next Morning 
(A.M.) fell in with the Enemy's Squadron, Com- 
manded by Hopkins (Inclosed is Captain Howe's Ac- 
count of that Affair) at 8, ditto she returned, firing of 
Guns— Got under way turned out of the Port, and de- 
sired the Glasgow to follow as soon as possible- 
Cruized about Block Island three or four days, Miss'd 
the Bolton and Schooner; from which imagine they 
have fell into the hands of the Enemy.— The Glasgow 
having received so much damage in her Mast, and hav- 
ing thrown her Dispatches Overboard, thought it 
proper to send the Nautilus in her Stead, with what in- 
formation I could give to His Majesty's Ships at York 
and Virginia— The loth. Instant made the Signal to 
seperate, and follow the Orders, which I send you in- 
closed. I am 

Sir 

Your most Obedient and 
most humble Servant 

Jas. Wallace 
Rear Admiral Shuldham 

Endorsed 10 April 1776. | Copy of Captain Wallaces | 
Letter giving an Account | of an Action between the | 
Glasgow, and some Rebel | Armed Vessels under the | 
Command of one Hopkins. | In V. A. Shuldhams \ Let- 
ter of 19 Apl. 1776 

D79:] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure B 

Copy 

Remarks on board His Majesty's Ship Glasgow 
Saturday the 6th. day of April 1776. 

At two AM. Block Island then bearing N.W. 
abought eight Leagues, discovered a Fleet on the 
Weather beam, consisting of seven or eight Sail ; tacked 
and stood towards them, and soon perceived them to be, 
two, or three large Ships, and other Square Rigged Ves- 
sels; Turned all hands to Quarters, and hauled up the 
Mainsail, and kept standing on to the NW with a light 
breeze, and smooth Water. The Fleet then coming 
down before it. At half past two a Brig much like the 
Bolton, but larger, came within hail, and seemed to 
hesitate about giving any answers, but still kept standing 
towards us, And on being asked what other Ships were 
in Company with her, they answered ''the Columbus 
and Alfred, a two and twenty Gun frigate" And almost 
immediately, a hand Granadoe was thrown out of her 
top. We exchanged our Broadsides, she then shot ahead, 
and lay on our bow, to make room for a large Ship, with 
a top light, to come on our Broadside, and another Ship 
ran under our Stern, Raked us as she passed, and then 
luft up, on our Lee beam, whilst a Brig took her Sta- 
tion, on our Larboard Quarter, and a Sloop kept alter- 
ing her Station occasionally. At this time the Clerk 
having the care of the dispatches for the So.Ward to 
destroy, if the Ship should be boarded, or in danger of 
being taken, hove the bag overboard with a Shot in it. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

At four the Station of every Vessel was altered, as the 
two Ships had dropt on each quarter, and a Brig kept a 
Stern, giving a continual fire. Bore away and made 
Sail for Rhode Island, with the whole fleet within 
Musket shot, on our Quarters and Stern. Got two Stern 
chase Guns out of the Cabin, and kept giving, and re- 
ceiving a very warm fire. At day light perceived the 
Rebel fleet to consist of two Ships, two Brigs, and a 
Sloop, and a large Ship, and Snow, that kept to Wind- 
ward, as soon as the Action began. At half past six, the 
Fleet hauled their Wind, and at Seven tacked, 'and 
stood to the S.S.W. Employed, reeving, knotting, and 
Sphcmg, and the Carpenters making fishes for the 
Masts. At half past seven, made a Signal, and fired 
several Guns occasionally to alarm the Fleet at Rhode 
Island Harbour. The Rose, Swan, and Nautilus, then 
being working out. 

NB. 

We had one Man killed, and three Wounded by the 
Musketry from the Enemy. 

Signd, Tyring^. Howe 
Copy 

M. Shuldham 

Endorsed Copy- Remarks on | board His Majestys 
Ship I Glasgow, Saturday the 6th. | Day of April 
1776- I In V. A. Shuldham's | Letter of 19 Apl. 1776 



D8i:i 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure C 



From several Remarks and Informations, the following 

the Glasgow off Rhode 





Commanders 
Name 


Number of Guns and Men 


Ship or 


Guns 


On what 
Deck 




Vessels 
Name 


Pounders 


Men in each 




32 


24 


18 


9 


6 


1 




Alfred 
Columbus 
Annadona^ Brig. 
Cabinet^ Brig 
Providence Sloop 


Hopkins 
Whipple 
Biddle 

Hopkins Junr, 
Hazard 


K 
II 
II 
II 
II 


II 
II 
II 

II 


II 
II 
l( 

II 


11 
II 
II 


II 
10 

10 
16 

14 
12 


II 

II 

"I 

12 
12 
10 


Lower 
Upper 

Ditto 
Upper 
Ditto 
Ditto 


220 Including) 
60 Marines S 

220 Including^ 
60 Marines ) 

130 Including) 
30 Marines 3 

120 Including) 
30 Marines ) 

90 Including ) 
28 Marines S 



Endorsed List of the Rebel | Frigates &ca, that j attack'd 
to Mr. I Stephens, 



^Andrew Doria. 



2 Cabot. 



D82:] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



is the State of the Rebel Armed Vessels which attacked 
Island 6th. Aprl. 1776. 



Remarks 



A Figure head and Yellow Sides, her lower Deck Ports not above eighteen Inches from 
the Water, Mizen T. G. Sail. 

Black Sides without a head, Mizen Top Gt. Sail. 

Black sides without a head. 

A small white Figure head and Yellow Sides with hanging Ports. 

Black Sloop without a head. 



the Glasgow | In a private Letter from | V. A. Shuldham 



DSs] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ CAPTAIN HOWE TO PHILIP STEPHENS^ ] 

Glasgow at Halifax the 27th. April 1776. 
Sir. 

Please to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty, that on my passage from Rhode Island to 
New York April the 6th. At half past two AM Rhode 
Island then bearing about N. b E. distant 14 or 15 
Leagues, I fell in with a Rebel squadron, consisting of 
one Ship of Thirty guns, another of Twenty eight, Two 
Brigs, one of sixteen, the other fourteen guns, and a 
Sloop of twelve, and all full of Men, and continued en- 
gaging them broadside, and broadside an hour, and a 
half, when my Masts, Sails, and Rigging being very 
much shattered, and an Attempt made to board us; I 
bore away for Rhode Island, and continued a close run- 
ning fight, until half past six, when they left us. As 
their principal intention was to disable, and then board 
us, our Masts, Sails, Rigging, and boats have suffered 
very much, by which means I was so fortunate as to lose 
but one man, and only three wounded, all by their mus- 
quetry. At Eleven I joined the Rose, Swan, and Nau- 
tilus at Rhode Island, who immediately went in pursuit 
of them; And after fishing all my Masts, and refitting 
my rigging as fast as possible, I made the best of my 
way for Halifax, where I arrived the Nineteenth In- 
stant. 

I should do great injustice to Lieutenant Pulteney, 

^ The original of this letter is No. 22 in volume 1902 of the Cap- 
tains' Letters, Admiralty, Secretary's Office, In-Letters. 

ni84] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

did I not mention to their Lordships, his great coolness, 
and bravery, during the whole action, As well all the 
rest of the Officers, whose good conduct. Animated the 
Men, and made them fight like British Seamen. 

I am. Sir, 
You most Obedient and very 
Humble Servant 
Tyringham Howe. 
Philip Stephens, Esqr. 



[1853 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Extract from "A Journal of the Proceedings of His 
Majestys Ship Glasgow Tyringm. Howe Esqr. Com- 
mander, Commencing the 21st. April 1775 and End- 
ing the 30th. of August 1776"/ 

Saturday April 6, 1776-Wind SSW, S b N, N b E, 
N b W. At single Anchor off Rhode Island. Light 
Airs & fair at 3 the light house WNW ^ a mile at 5 the 
squadron bore away into the harbour at 3 AM saw 8 
strange sail to windward Do. Kd. stood for them & 
prepar'd for action they prov'd to be the Rebell fleet 
consisting of 2 ships 2 Briggs & a sloop at ^ past 3 one 
of the Briggs attempted to lay us on board the two ships 
one a head-& the other a stern began the action by Rak- 
ing us, we immediately fired & Continued a very hot 
action till ^ past 4 when we bore away & made Sail & 
continued a very hot running fire, but the Enemys Ships 
frequently Yaw'd and rak'd us at 6 they hal'd Close by 
the Wind at i^ pt. 7 they Kd. & stood to the SSW Do. 
fired several Guns to alarm the fleet at Rhode Island we 
had one marine kill'd & one wounded all the lower 
masts disabled & most of the standing & running rig- 
ging shot away at 1 1 Came too in Rhode Island spoke 
the Rose & Squadron working out in pursuit of the 
Rebels, the Rebels fleet consisted of one ship of 30 Guns 
one of 22 one brig of 16, one of 14 & a Sloop of 10 Guns 
the Adml. hoisted Dutch Colours & the others Strip'd. 

1 This Log of the Glasgow is in the Admiralty Records and is No. 
398 of the Captains' Logs, 



[186] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Halifax Harbour 24th. April 1776. 
Sir 

I am to inform you that on the 19th. Instant Captain 
Barkley in the Scarborough arrived here from Savan- 
nah in the Province of Georgia, to which place their 
Lordships have been acquainted he was sent with two 
Transports and a small Body of Men under Major 
Grant, to procure Rice and other Supplies for the use 
of the Army; and I have the pleasure to inform you that 
the Quantity which has been Obtained by this measure 
is very considerable and is of the greatest Consequence 
in the present necessitous State of the Army. 

I must also acquaint you that Sir James Wright the 
Governor of that Province being forced from his Gov- 
ernment by the Violences of the people, arrived here in 
the Scarborough with his Family. 

Captain Barkly having informed me in the Account 
of his proceedings that he had from Savannah by the 
Duke of Cumberland Packet sent information to my 
Lords Commissioners of the State of that Country, with 
other occurrences as well as that a Rebel Armament had 
Visited Providence with a view to carry off the Powder 
and Ordnance from that Island, I forbear mentioning 
any thing further on these Subjects, but I have great 
reason to believe that the Vessels which attacked the 
Glasgow, were those which had been at Providence. 

I inclose to you a Copy of the information I have re- 
/ceived of the different Batteries at Charles Town South 
/Carolina, also Intelligence that the Rebels meant to 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

intercept the Merchant Ships in their passage from 
Jamaica to England, both which Articles were Ob- 
tained by Captain Barkley during his stay at Savannah, 
and he thought the last of such importance that he sent 
immediate information of it to Admiral Gayton at 
Jamaica. 

/ You will also herewith receive an Account of Ships 
and Vessels detained at Savannah, and which were set at 
Liberty by the Ships and Troops under Captain Bark- 

/ley and Major Grant, and likewise the Declaration of 
the Masters of the Ships so liberated. 

I have also to inform you that Captain Barkley in 
returning from this expedition was under the necessity 
of putting into Rhode Island, where he expected to find 
some of His Majesty's Ships, but as those which were 
Stationed there had been obliged to quit that place the 
Rebels having erected several Batteries from which 
they were much annoyed, he was also fired upon and 
received some damage in his Masts and Rigging. 

I am I Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servant, 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 24 Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham | 
A. I R 6 June \ (4 Inclosures) 



[188] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A 

[ DECLARATION OF ANDREW BREEDON ] 
Copy 

On board the Scarbr'o 20th March 1776.— 

Andrew Breeden, Master of the Friendship Schooner 
Declares that he went from on board the Scarbr'o at 
Cockspur 9 Days ago to his Owners house at Gehal in 
South Carolina where he met Mr. John Hutchison 
(whose Brother is a member of the Carolina Congress) 
at the House of Mr. Hamilton his Owner, who in- 
formed him that there were Eight Sail of the North- 
ward Fleet off Charles town barr, two of them in Five 
fathom hole, two of thirty two Guns, two of Twenty 
four Guns and the others of fourteen or twelve Guns; 
that their first intention was to attack the Syren and any 
other Vessel that might be at Cape Fear, from thence 
they were to proceed to Georgia, to attack or wait for 
the Ships at Cockspur.— After which they would en- 
deavor to intercept the Jamaica fleet of Merchantmen 
homeward bound— he adds that Mr. Hutchison said 
that the People of Carolina were hurt at the Ships 
being taken from Savanah, and that he has no doubt of 
their being retaken. 

These he declares were Mr. Hutchison's Words or 
the purpose of them, and that he is ready to make Oath 
to the Truth of what he has asserted. 

Andw. Bredon 

Endorsed Copy | The Declaration of Mr. | Andw. 
Breedon dated | the 20th. March 1776.— | In V. A. 
Shuldhams 1 Letter 24 Apl. 1776 | A. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure B 

[ ACCOUNT OF THE BATTERIES AT CHARLESTON, S. C. ] 

A List of Cannon, where placed at Charles Town 
South Carolina. 

At Fort Johnson 20 Guns, 9, 12 and 24 Pounders. 

A Mile further up the River there is 6 : 24 Poundrs. and 

two Eighteens. 
The first Battery at the Town 3 : 24 Pounders 4 Twelves 

& 2 Nines. 
The second Battery 2 Eighteen pounders and 16 

Twelves and Nines. 
The third Battery 10:9 & 12 Pounders. 
On Beals's Wharf 2 : 24 Pounders. 
On Champney's Wharf 2 : 24 Do. 
On Brailford's Wharf 3 : 24 Do. & 2 : 1 8 Do. 
On Gatson's Wharf 4 : 24 & 2 : 18 Pounders. 
They have three Miles from Town twenty five pieces of 

Cannon 12 and 9 Pounders. 
At Dorchester they have 1 8 : 8 & 12 Do. 
In Town 3 Brass three pounders, Eight Brass Coehorns 

of five and seven Inches. 
They have a vast Quantity of Shot and Shells & One 

hundred Boxes of Grape Shot for Twenty four 

pounders.— 

Endorsed An Account of the | different Batteries | at 
Charles Town | South Carolina. | In Vice Adml. 
Shuldham's | Letter of 24 Apl. 1776 \ A. 

D903 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure C 

[ DECLARATION OF THE MASTERS OF THE MERCHANT 
SHIPS LIBERATED AT SAVANNAH, GA. ] 

(Copy) 

Province of Georgia 

North America 

We the Masters of the Undermentioned Ships and 
Vessels do declare and Attest that about November last 
We had permission to load our Ships and Vessels with 
Rice and other Commodities for Great Britain, at the 
Port of Savanah in Georgia, and having taken our Car- 
goes on board accordingly, we were stoped on the fif- 
teenth day of December following by orders of the 
Council of Safety and detained by them at Savanah, 
and that We were at great loss and a heavy Expence of 
Seamens Wages and Victuals, in keeping them On 
board, which if we had not done they would have gone 
and Joined the Rebels, who offered them three pounds 
a Month. That upon the Arrival of the King's Ships in 
Savanah River, several of us applyed to Captain Bark- 
ley Commander of His Majesty's Ship Scarborough, 
and to Major Grant Commanding Officer of the Kings 
Troops, for protection, who assured us. We shoud have 
every protection in their power and further say that 
Captain Barkley and Major Grant having got up to the 
Town of Savanah with Several Armed Vessels and a 
Body of Troops— We were desired by the above Gen- 
tlemen to get our Vessels ready to sail up the Back 
River under Cover of His Majesty's Armed Vessels, as 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the Rebels had shut up the other Ship Channel both by 
Sinking a Hulk in it and erecting a Battery upon the 
Bluff— and that we were obliged in order to proceed 
under Cover of the said Armed Vessels to bring our 
Ships and Vessels to the draught of between Nine and 
Ten feet which obliged many of us to throw over board 
a Quantity of Rice, and we are of opinion and firmly 
believe that our Ships and Vessels have been saved by 
the interposition of His Majesty's Ships and Troops 
under the Command of Captain Barkley and Major 
Grant as they must otherwise have been detained or de- 
stroyed by the Rebels then assembled in Arms in Sa- 
vanah, as they repeatedly ordered us to unreeve our 
rigging unbend our sails, and Unhang our Rothers. 

And when the Kings Troops had got on board our 
Ships an Officer came from the Shore and declared if 
we did not immediately begin and Unbend our Sails 
We should be destroyed, which Officer was taken Pris- 
oner. 

To the truth of the Above We have hereunto Set our 
hands on board His Majesty's Ship Scarborough in 
Savanah River this 22d. March 1776. 

Thos. Glenders 
Thos. Walker 
Rt. King 
J NO. Alexander 
J NO. Wallace 
Andw. Lee 
Geo. Craik 
Wm. Pinkerton 
^RiCHD. Chapman 
(Signed) Andw. Barkley 

[1923 



Signed 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed Copy | A Declaration of the Masters I of the 
Merchant Ships | Librated at Savanah. | In Vice 
Adml. Shuldham's | Letter of 24 Apl. 1776 | A. 



[193] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure D 



A List of the Ships and Vessels Librated from the Rebels of 



Ship or Vessels 
Name 


Masters 
Name 


Where 
Belonging 


Owners 
Name 


Lading 


Christian, Brig 


Jno. Alexander 


Glasgow 


Jno. Alexander 


Rice 


Christie, Brig 


Geo. Craick 


Aberdeen 


Geo. Craick 


Rice 


Marlborough, Ship 


Thos. Walker 


Whitby 


Jonas Brown 


Rice 


Live Oak, Brig 

Samuel and 1 
Charles, Brig 3 


Jno. Wallace 
Wm. Pinkerton 


Glasgow 
Barbadoes 


Jno. Wallace 

&Co. 
Thos. Welch 


Rice 
Rice 


Christie, Brig 
Maria, Schooner 
Georgia, Pacquet 


Andw. Lee 
Rt. Welch 
Thos. Glenders 


Glasgow 

Liverpool 

Scarborough 


Alexander & 

Rt. Donald 
Hugh & Henry 
Lee & Thos. Case 
Jno. Glenders 


Rice 

Rice & dry Goods 

Rice 


Jane, Schooner 


Jno. Mills 


Savanah 


Fellfair & Co. 


Indigo & Rum 


Sally, Sloop 


Jas. Weston 


Savanah 


Fellfair & Co. 


Sugar and Bale Goods 


Adventure, Ship 


Rd. Chapman 


Jamaica 


Johnson & Co. 


Ballast 


Esther, Schooner 


Dl. McNess 


Savanah 


Fellfair & Co. 


Dry Goods 


Charming 
Nancy, Ship 


Rt. King 


London 


Simons & Co. 


Ballast 



(Copy) 



Endorsed A Copy of a List of Ships | and Vessels Liber- 
& Majr. Grant. | In V. A Shuldham's | Letter of 24 Apl. 1776 | 



[;i943 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Savanah by Captain Barkley & Major Grant the 4th. March 1776. 



Quantity of the different Species 
of the Cargo & to whom belonging 


No. of 
Sea- 
men 


Where the 
Owners 
reside 


Value of 
the Sloop 
and Cargo 


Tons 


290 Whole Barrels of Rice, 57 half Bar- 
rels, Do., 221 Deer Skins & a Quantity of 
Lumber. 


8 


Glasgow 




140 


200 whole Barrels 


6 


Aberdeen 




120 


189 Whole Barrels, 15 half Do. 


13 


Whitby 




213 


250 Whole Barrels, 15 half Do. 


6 


Glasgow 




250 


210 Whole Barrels 


5 


Barbadoes 




150 


220 whole Barrels & a Quantity of Dry Goods 


7 


Glasgow 




140 


70 whole Barrels & a great Quantity of dry Goods 


6 


Liverpool 




100 


45 whole Barrels 


9 


Scarborough 




120 


47 Barrels of Indigo, 15 Punchns. Rum, Nails 

& Dry Goods 
Sugar & Bale Goods 


3 
3 


Savanah 
Savanah 




30 
30 


(( 


8 


Jamaica 




160 


Dry Goods 


4 


Savanah 




20 


(< 


14 


London 




200 



(Sign'd) Andw. Barkley 



ated at | Savannah the 4 of | March 1776 by Capt. | Barkley 
A. 



1:195] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour 24th. April 1776. 
Sir, 

Mr. Charles White Surgeon, and Agent for the care 
of the Sick and hurt belonging to His Majesty's Ship 
at Boston and who on the Evacuation of that place was 
removed on board the Richmond Hospital Ship, having 
represented to me by Letter that his ill State of health 
rendered him incapable of performing his duty with 
that Diligence and attention it required, and desiring 
that a person may be authorized to succeed him in his 
employment; I have therefore thought proper to Ap- 
point Mr. James Dickson the Surgeon of the Chatham 
to that Office in the room of Mr. White. 

Lieutenant David Ramsay of the Orpheus, Lieuten- 
ant John Kneebone of the Marines on board the Chat- 
ham, and Mr. Thomas Carr Gunner of the King's-fisher 
having represented by Letter to their respective Cap- 
tains that they were rendered unfit to perform their sev- 
eral duties by their ill State of Health, and requesting 
leave to go to England for the recovery of the same, I 
have on representation being made to me by their Cap- 
tains Ordered the Surgeon of the Hospital and two Sur- 
geons of His Majesty's Ships to examine into the healths 
///of the said Officers and as by the reports of the Sur- 
geon's examinations, (Copies of which I enclose to you) 
it appears they are not able to discharge the duties of 
their different employments, I have complied with their 
requests. 

I have Appointed Mr. Robert Barton to Act as Sec- 

1:196] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

fond Lieutenant on board the Orpheus in the room of 
Lieutenant Ramsay, and hope their Lordships will be 
pleased to confirm him in that Employment. 

For all other Appointments and Removals, I refer 
you to the General Account I herewith inclose. 
I am Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servt. 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 24 Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham | 
B. I R 6 June | (4 Inclosures)^ 

Minute 6 June | f Mr. Barton to have a Commissn. ] 
for the Orpheus dated | this day Send in Lre again | 
Mr. Barton does not appear to have passed an Exami- 
nan. | Note, The examinan. has been since brought to 
the Office | & Commissn. made out accordingly. 

^ As the enclosures contain no additional information it has seemed 
unnecessary^ to print them. 



D973 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour 24th. April 1776. 
Sir, 

/ You will herewith receive the Disposition of His 

Majesty's Ships under my Command, as also the State 

/and Condition of such Ships of the Squadron from 

which I have received them since my last Dispatches 

to you. 

From the disappointment of the Arrival of the Vic- 
tuallers, and having Supplied a considerable quantity 
of the Provisions intended for the Fleet for the sub- 
sistence of the Army, I have judged it necessary to Or- 
der the Crews of His Majesty's Ships to be put to Two 
thirds allowance until a farther Supply may arrive. 
/ I likewise transmit to you the Sentence of a Court 
fMartial held on the late Boatswain of the Roebuck, and 
/also an Account of such American Vessels as have been 
taken and detained by the Fleet under my Command 
according to the latest information I have received. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 

M: SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 



C1983 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed 24. Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham 
C. I R 6 June | (4 Inclosures) 

Minute 6 June | f Mr. Wright to | note the Sentence 
in Black Book | Send in Lre again 



C1993 



Enclosure A 



Disposition of His Majesty's Ship and Vessels in North America 
under the Command of Rear Admiral Shuldham. 



Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 


Disposition 


4th 


Chatham 


j R. A. Shuldham 
(Captn. John Raynor 




Moored off the yard. 
Under Orders and will pro- 


5th 
6th 


Orpheus 
Scarborough 


" Chas. Hudson 
" Andw. Barkley 




ceed in a Day or two to Cruize 
between the West end of Long 
Island and Cape Henlopen. 
Refitting. 




Rose 
Glasgow 


" Jas. Wallace 
" Tyringm. Howe 


In 
■Halifax 
Harbor 


Refitting, Under Orders to 
Cruize off Rhode Island. 
Preparing to proceed to 

England. 


Sloop 


Tamer 


" Edwd.Thornbrough 




Refitting. 


u 


Kings fisher 


" Alexr. Grsme 




Will sail in a few days to Cruize 
in the Bay of Fundy. 


Storeship 


Adventure 


Lieut. John Hallum 




Alongside the Jetty. 


Schooner 


Tryal 


" John Brown 




,Off Major's Beach. 


Sloop 


Senegal 


Capt.Wm.Duddingston 


At Liverpool in Nova Scotia, Ordered to 
Halifax. 


Schooner 


Halifax 


Lieut. Wm. Quarme 


Cruizing off Sable. 


Sloop 


Merlin 


Capt. Wm. C. Burnaby 


At Annapolis in Nova Scotia, Ordered to 
Halifax. 


(( 


Viper 


" Saml. Graves 


On his passage to Annapolis to relieve 
the Merlin. 


4th 


Centurion 


" Richd.Brathwaite 


Cruizing between CapeSable and CapeAnne) 
in the Longitude of Saint George's Bank. ) 


a 


Renown 


" Fras. Banks 


Cruizing and Rendezvousing Occasion-^ 
ally in Boston Bay and Nantasket Road. 3 


6th 


Lively 


" Thos. Bishop 


~ 


Sloop 
Brig 


Milford 

Swan 

Hope 


" John Burr 
" Jas. Ayscough 
Lieut. Geo. Dawson 


Cruizing in Boston Bay and off Piscat- 
aqua, under the Command of Captain • 
Banks. 


Brig 


Bolton 


" Edwd. Sneyd 




Schooner 


Dispatch 


" John Goodridge 


Nantasket Road, Ordered to Halifax. 


6th 


Cerberus 


Capt. John Symons 


Cruizing 
and the E 


between Martha's Vineyard, 
ast end of Long Island. 



[200] 



Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 


Disposition 


Brig 


Diligent 


Lieut. Edmd. Dod 


Under the Command of Captain 
Symons, on the same Station. 


5th 


Phoenix 


Captn. Hyke Parker 




3d 


Asia 


" Geo. Vandeput 


At New York. 


Sloop 


Savage 


" Hugh Bromedge 


J 


5th 


Roebuck 


" A. S. Hamond 


In the River Delaware. 


6th 


Fowey 


" Geo. Montagu 


In his passage to the Delaware. 


Sloop 


Liverpool 
Otter 


" Hy. Bellew 
Mattw. Squire 


At Virginia. 




Cruizer 
Scorpion 


" Fras. Parry 

" Hon. Jno. Tollemache 


Ordered to Boston this Spring 
by Vice Admiral Graves. 
At North Carolina. 


6th 
Sloop 


Mercury 
Falcon 


" Jas. Montagu 
" John Linzee 


Supposed to be Cruizing off 
■Fear, General Clinton on board 
J the Mercury. 


Armed 
Ship 


Raven 
Cherokee 


" John Stanhope 
Lieut. John Ferguson 


[At Savannah, Province 

1 of Georgia. 

J 


Schooner 


Saint Lawrence 


'' John Graves 


Sent to Cape Fear, and from 
thence ordered to Join Me. 


(< 


Hinchinbrook 


" Alexr. Ellis 


At Saint Au ustine. 


Sloop 


Nautilus 


Captn. John Collins 


Supposed to be at Bermuda. 


Schooner 


Saint John 


Lieut, Wm. Grant 


At the Bahama Islands. 


6th 


Lizard 


Captn. Jno. Hamilton 




Sloop 


Hunter 


" Thos. Mackenzie 


At Quebec. 


Brig 

5th 
6th 


Gaspee 

Niger 
Syren 


Lieut. Wm. Hunter 

Captn. Geo. Talbot 
" Tobias Furneaux 


Lieut. Hunter and part of the 
Crew taken Prisoners by the ■ 
Rebels at Saint Johns. 

On his passage to Quebec, three 

Transports with Troops under 

his Convoy. 

At Cape Fear. 



Chatham in Halifax Harbour 24 April 1776. — M. Shuldham 
Endorsed Dispostn. of V. Adml. | Shuldham's Squadron | In his Letter 
of 24 Apl. 76 I C. 

[201] 



Enclosure B 



An Account of Vessels Seized or Taken by 


His Majesty's Squadron 


When Seized or 


Where 


By what 
Ship or 
Vessel 


What 
sort of 
Vessel 


Names of the 


Taken 


Vessels 


Masters 


Owners 


Febj^ 19 


1776 


Off Cape Anne 


Lively 




Tartar 


Benjn. Warren 


Wm. Prosser 


25 




Boston Bay 


Do. 




Unity 


Davd. Lunt 


Jacb.Boardman 


March 4 




Within the 
Isle of Shoals 


Do. 


Schooner 


John 


Danl. Merchant 


Danl. Serjeant 


5 




Off Cape Anne 


Do. 


Sloop 


Mary 


Abner Lowell 


Benjn. Rogers 


7 




OffAdimenticut 


Hope 


Do. 


John 


Coes Gardner 


Danl. Rogers 






Do. 


Do. 


Schooner 


Molly 


James Lovitt 


James Lovitt 


Feby. 14 




Off Cape Cod 


Tryal 




Peggy 


John Lothrop 


Echa. Thatcher 
and Geo.Welch 






Do. 


Do. 




Grampus 


John Brackett 


Mark Alexander 


15 




Off Liverpool 


Halifax 




King Solo- 
mon 


Danl. Turner 




Jany. 16 




Halifax 


Savage 


Ship 


Nicholas 


Jas. White 


Thos. Boilstone 


19 




Do. 


Do. 


Ship 


Boston 
Packet 


Jas. Shepherd 


Wm. Denny 


20 




Nevv^ York 


Asia 


Schooner 


James 






Feby. 3 




Do. 


Phoenix 


Ship 


Sally 


John Bagley 


Saml. Franklin 


19 




Do. 


Do. 


Do. 


York 


Davd. Collins 




Jany. 19 




Off the Capes 
of Virginia 


Kings fisher 


Schooner 


Peace and 
Plenty 


— Lightboy 


— Midd 


4 




Do. 


Do. 


Do. 


Molly 


— Waters 




Feby. 28 
Jany. 23 




Off the Capes 
of Philadelphia 

OffCapeCharles 


Kings fisher 
Liverpool 




Juno 

Susanna 


Wm. Keith 
Frs. Bright 


John Pringle 
and Wm. Keith 
Messrs. Christie 
and Gilmore 


25 




" Henry 


Do. 




Betsy and 
Molly 


Jas. Calvert 


Corns. Calvert 


31 




Do. 


Do. 




Polly 


Saml. Nichols 


Wm. West 


Feby. 14 




" Charles 


Do. 




Joseph 


John Hill 


Jonas Smith 


I 




At Sea 


Scarborough 




Violenti 


Stepn. 

Cleavland 


Frs. Cobbett 



[202] 



n North America under the Command of Rear Admiral Shuldham. 


From 
Whence 


Where 
bound 


Where 
belong- 
ing 


To what 

Port sent 

for Security 


Cargo 


How 

disposed 
of 


Dominica 


Halifax and 1 
Newfoundland 3 




Boston 


Sugar, Coffee, Cocoa and 
Melasses 




[jrand Terer 


Newbury 




Do. 


Melasses and Coffee 




Baltimore 


Cape Anne 




Do. 


Flour, and Indian Corn 




Philadelphia 


Newbury 




Do. 


Flour, Iron and Steel 




Virginia 


Ipswich 




Do. 


Flour, Indian Corn, and 
Wheat 




So. Carolina 


Piscataqua 




Do. 


Rice and Indigo 




Baltimore 


Barnstaple 




Do. 


Flour &ca. 




Do. 


Do. 




Do. 


Do. 


Castaway 


Cape Bisore 


Bilboa 




Halifax 


850 Quintals of Fish 




Petersburgh ) 
and Cairo ) 

Do. 


Halifax 
Do. 


Boston 
Do. 


Do. 
Do. 


Iron, Hemp, Canvas &ca. 




New York 


To the rebel 
Camp 




New York 


Provisions, Dry Goods &ca. 




Alicant 


New York 




Do. 


Salt 




New York 






Do. 


Ballast 




Philadelphia 


Rappahanack 




Norfolk 


Salt 


Sold 


St. Eustatia 


Baltimore 




Do. 


Rum 




Port L'Orient 


Philadelphia 




Do. 


Gunpowder, Salt Petre and 
Sulphur 




Antigua 


Baltimore 




Do. 


Salt 




Glasgow 


Norfolk 




Do. 


Ballast 




Salem 


Potomack 




Do. 


Do. 




Do. 


Baltimore 




Do. 


Salt 




Marblehead 


Winyah 




Boston 


Ballast 





[203] 



When Seized 
or Taken 



Where 



By what 

Ship 
orVessel 



What 
sort of 
Vessel 



Names of the 



Vessels 



Masters 



Owners 



Feby. 4 
Mar. 13 

5 



Feby. 24 
March i 

Septr. 24 

Novr. 9 
Jany. 5 
20 
Deer. 28 
Jany. 20 
Feby. 4 
March 12 
Feby. 
Mar. 



1776 



OfifTibeBar 

At 
Savannah 

At Sea 
Do. 



1775 

1776 

(( 

1775 
1776 



At Sea 

Do. 

Charles 1 

town, I 

South I 

Carolina J 

Do. 

Cut out of 
Stono 

Savannah 

OntheCoast 
of Virginia 

Savannah 

Off Savan- 
nah Bar 

Do. 

Augustine 
Creek 
Entrance of 
Savannah 

At Sea 



Scar- 
borough 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Rose 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Viper 

Do. 

Tamer 

Do. 
Tamer 

Do. 
Raven 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Mercury 



Sloop 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Brig 

Do. 

Schooner 

Do. 
Brig 
Sloop 



St. John 
Phoenix 

Greyhound 

John and 
Joseph 

Hannah 
Sally 
Greyhound 
John 

Snow Bird 
Tartar 
Sawney 

Polly 

George 1 
Town [ 
Pacquet J 
Elizabeth 

YorkPacket 

Retten 

house 

Clarissa 

St. John 

Georgia 
Packet 

Jane 

Phoenix 

Hope 



Gilbt. Harrison 
Norton Cole 
Increase Pote 
Danl. Dishon 



Benjn. Dean 
Frs. Skinner 

Heny. Stone 

Alexr. Wylly 
Php. Sullivan 
Stepn. Weeks 
Ambs. Bartlett 
Rd. Bissell 
Gilbt. Harrison 
Geo. Bunner 
Willm. Mills 
Norton Cole 
Andw. Brown 



Coddington 
and Morris 

Minos and Cole 
Increase Pote 



Joseph White, Miles 
and Greenwood 

Unknown 

Stone & Devaul 

Benjn. Hague and 
Isaac Hague Colonels 

in the Rebel Army 
Alexr. Wylly 

John Scott 

Waltr. Franling 

Messrs. York and Potts 

Messrs. Roch 

and Lopez 

Bright, Pechin, Clay 
and Halresham 

Wm. Mills 

Jno. Dennis & Co. 

Andw. Brown 
& John Burress 



[204] 



From 
Whence 



Where 
bound 



>t. Croix 
Ihode Island 

Virginia 

IlapeNichola 
Mole 



jreorgia 
Do. 

santee 

Do. 
Barcelona 
New York 
Lisbon 
Jamaica 
Santa Cruz 
Philadelphia 
Sunbury 
Rhode Island 
Charles town 



St. Maries 
Georgia 
Cases Bay 

New London 



Tortola 
Santa Cruz 

Charles Town 

Do. 

Do. 
Georgia 
Philadelphia 
Jamaica 
Savannah 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
New York 



Where 

be- 
longing 



To what 

Port sent 

for Security 



Cargo 



Savannah 
Do. 

Halifax 

Ordd. to 
Halifax 



Antigua 

Do. 

Left with 
Lord William 
Campbell 

Cape Fear 
Cape Fear 

Savannah 
[ Do. 
! afterwards 
[to Boston J 

Savannah 

Do. 

[ Do. 1 
■! afterwards 
[to Boston J 
Savannah 

Do. 

Cape Fear 



How 

disposed 
of 



Dry Goods and Gunpowder 
Cyder, Potatoes and Apples 

Indian Corn and Tobacco 

Melasses, Coffee and Gun- 
powder 

Melasses &ca. 
Grain &ca. 

. Flour 

Lumber 

Lumber and Indigo 

Shot 

French Flour, Wine and 
other Merchandize 

Brandy and Salt 

Bread, Flour, Rum, Cyder, 
Apples & Bar Iron 

Ballast and £2,000 

Lumber 

Gunpowder and Bale Goods 

Flour, Bread, Beer, Rum &ca. 

Damaged Rice 

Cyder and Potatoes 

Rice and Indigo 



Foundred 
at Sea 



Endorsed An Acct. of Vessels 
Shuldhams Squadron I In his 
C. 



Chatham in Halifax Harbour 24th April 1776. 

M : Shuldham 
I seized by Vice Adml. | 
Letter of the | 24 Apl. 1776 | 

1:2053 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour the 25th. April 1776. 
Sir 

Having in my Letter of the i6th. Instant offered to 
their Lordship's consideration the deficiency in the 
Complements of several of His Majesty's Ships under 
my Command, and as their Lordships will perceive by 
the States and Conditions of the Ships transmitted to 
them, that many Supernumeraries are borne, I must beg 
they will please to observe that these being composed of 
Men taken out of the Rebel Vessels no confidence can 
be placed in them, and although the Captains of His 
Majesty's Ships under my Command have all of them 
more or less, entered Americans to fill up their Com- 
plements, and are now by Law empowered to do so, 
with regard to Men taken in future, yet it deserves to be 
seriously considered, that if by a constant diminution of 
the British Seamen upon this Service, this measure was 
carried to excess, without any Supply from home to be 
distributed among the Fleet the consequence may be 
very alarming: their Lordships will therefore see the 
necessity there is of my keeping compleat the parties of 
Marines belonging to the dififerent Ships, but as I have 
directions to send to the Battallion serving on shore the 
Marines of such Ships as I may Order to England, I 
submit it to their Lordship's judgment whether it will 
not be for His Majesty's Service that I compleat the 
Marines on board the Ships that may want them, out of 

[206] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

those they have designed for the Battallion before they 
are disembarked. I am 

Sir I Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 25 Apl. 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldham | R 
6 June 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour 25th April 1776. 
Sir, 

I am to inform you Captain Furneaux of the Syren 
has acquainted me that, on the 15th. Instant he took a 
Brig belonging to the Rebels which was carrying from 
Philadelphia to Charles town in South Carolina, a 
Company of Artillery consisting of a Captain Commis- 
sioned by the Continental Congress, and Seventy nine 
Men, the most of whom have since Entered into His 
Majesty's Service with General Clinton. 

I am likewise to acquaint you that, there having been 
taken a Sloop belonging to New York and bound to 
Saint Martin's with Flour and Lumber, the Master of 
her has given the following information; that he left 
New York on the 2d. Instant, and on the 5th. he fell in 
with several Armed Ships and Vessels belonging to the 
Rebels, (which I believe are the same that attacked the 
Glasgow) that he was carried on board the Rebel Com- 
modore to be examined, and that while he was there a 

1:2073 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

person was brought on board who wore the Uniform of 
a Lieutenant of the Navy which from his Description 
was probably Lieutenant Sneyd who Commanded the 
Bolton Armed Brig,^ for as she is still missing I am 
afraid she has fallen into their hands; and he farther 
adds that he was informed they had been at the Island 
of Providence, from whence they had taken the Gov- 
ernor, his Secretary, and most of the remaining Stores.^ | 
I am I Sir 

Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed R 6 June 



[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

3 May 1776 
Sir 

I had yesterday the honor to receive your Letters of 
the 25th. 26th. & 27 of Feby. & of the 8th. 17th. & 23rd. 
of March last, all which with the several Inclosures 
were immediately communicated to my Lords Commrs. 
of the Admty; In return I have it in command from 
their Lordships to acquaint you that a Case respecting 

1 The Bolton was captured by Commodore Hopkins' squadron on 
April 4, 1776, the day before the engagement with the Glasgow. 

2 See the Log of the Andrew Doria. 

3 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, vol. 
551, P- 534. 

[208] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the seizure mention'd in your Letter of the 26th. feby. 
will be stated for the Opinion of the Law Secretary of 
the Crown, & that you will receive their Lordships 
direction in Consequence thereof without delay. 

Their Lordships entirely approve of the Steps taken 
for embarking the Army & of the diligence and activity 
of the Officers employed on that service & it is with 
great pleasure they receive the Account you give of the 
unanimity & harmony which subsist between His Maj- 
estys Fleet and Army— Their Lordships approve of the 
supply of provisions which you spared to the Army & 
with respect to the 4 missing Victualling Ships men- 
tioned in your Letter of the 8th of March I am to ac- 
quaint you that they were driven to Antigua, from 
whence they were to sail, the beginning of March, un- 
der Convoy of the Experiment together with several of 
the Army Victuallers in the same predicament and their 
Lordships hope they will have joined you before this 
comes to your hand, & that the Provisions they have on 
board will serve 'til the arrival of the Victuallers men- 
tioned in my Letter of the 18 Ult. by the Canceaux 
which Victuallers have (exclusive of the Provisions on 
board the Alborough) a supply of 4 Months for 9,000 
Men & are now at St. Helens upon the point of sailing 
under Convoy of Commr. Hotham. 

The first supply of 4 Months for 13,000 Men men- 
tioned in that Letter will be ready to sail by the end of 
this Month. The next supply for the same time & num- 
ber of Men which was intended to be sent out in Augst. 
next will now be Dispatched earlier to you; & such 
further supplys will follow in the Course of the Sum- 
mer, as shall be judged necessary. 

My Lords approve of the order you gave Captn. 

[2093 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Banks to wear a distinguishg. Pendant while employed 
on the service mentioned in your Letter of the ij of 
March; but as there will soon be two officers in North 
America with distinguishing Pendants and Captains 
under them, their Lordships Judge that it will be no 
longer necessary for Captn. Banks to wear one, and you 
will therefore please to order him to discontinue it upon 
the Arrival of W Hotham. I have &c 

P. S. 
Vice Adl. Shuldham at Halifax 

Sent the same day to Lord George Germain's Office to 
be forwarded in their Dispatches to Halifax— And a 
Duplicate sent 4 May to Ld. G. Germain 
A copy of this Letter sent to Lord Howe 

6 May at 5 A : M : by a Messenger 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbor loth May 1776. 
Sir, 

Mr. Brymer Agent to the Contractor for supplying 
Rum to His Majesty's Ships upon this Station, having 
/by Letter (Copy of which I herewith inclose you) fur- 
nished me with his reasons why he could not comply 
with the Contract, and the Ships being in immediate 
want, I have been under the Necessity of making appli- 
cation to General Howe and borrowing Ten Thousand 
Gallons from the Store belonging to the Army, of 
which I have acquainted the Victualling Board, that 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the necessary Measures may be taken for a future 
Supply. 

I profit likewise of this Opportunity to inform you 
fthat there is a great Scarcity of Ordnance Small Stores, 
particularly Match, at this place, of which the Store- 
keeper tells me he has repeatedly acquainted the Ord- 
nance Board some Months ago. I am 

Sir, 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed lo May 1776 | Halifax \ V. A. Shuldham | 
R 7 June 

Minute 7 June | Acqt. the Bd. of | Ordnance herewith | 
& desire that proper | Supplies may be sent | out as soon 
as possible | Send it in again 



[ VICE admiral shuldham to PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour loth May 

1776. 
Sir, 

I am to acquaint you that General Howe and the 
Army under his Command, still continue at this place 
waiting for the Arrival of a Supply of Provisions; and 
having informed you in my Letter of the 19th. past 
which with my other Dispatches I sent you by the 

1:2113 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Princess Augusta Victualling Sloop (Duplicates of 
which you will now receive) of the Accident that had 
happened to the Glasgow, and my intention to send her 
to England to be fitted ; I have therefore Ordered Cap- 
tain Howe to take under his Convoy Such Vessels as are 
ready to accompany him, (among which is the Harriot 
Packet having on board Mr. Legge Governor of this 
Province) and proceed to Plymouth. 

I need not represent to their Lordships of how much 
greater importance the King's Yard and Harbor of 
Halifax, as well as the whole Province of Nova Scotia 
is now become, than formerly; and of consequence they 
will please to consider the great necessity of keeping 
the Bay of Fundy well guarded to prevent any Hostile 
attempts being made upon this Province from thence by 
the Rebels ; this will require an Additional Number of 
Ships, and their Lordships will please to Observe by 
the Disposition of the Squadron, how very inadequate 
even the great number I have under my Command is to 
the various Services I am Ordered to Execute, and the 
different Posts I have to defend, especially as the Reb- 
els are indefatigably employed in Equipping a Naval 
Force in all their Sea Port Towns in the several Prov- 
inces. 

The Orpheus being refitted sailed the 5th. Instant 
under Orders to Cruize between the West End of Long 
Island and Cape Henlopen, calling in occasionally at 
New York and the Delaware: and having intended to 
have put the Glasgow under the Command of Captain 
Hamond in the Delaware, I have sent the King's fisher 
Sloop to supply her place. 

I have Ordered on board the Glasgow Such Seamen 
and Marines, belonging to the Ships under my Com- 

[212] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

mand, as from Accidents and Disorders have been on 
examination found unfit for His Majesty's Service. 
I am, 
Sir 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed lo May 1776 | Halifax | V. A. Shuldhams | 
R 7 June 



[ VICE ADMIR.AL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, Halifax Harbour 12th. May 1776. 
Sir, 

I am to inform you His Majesty's Sloop 
Swan being on a Cruize off Cape Ann on the 
5th. Instant fell in w^ith the Despencer Packet 
from Falmouth, bound to Boston with Dis- 
patches for General Howe and myself, and 
that Captain Ayscough thinking it expedient 
to take the Dispatches on board the Swan for 
their more safe and Speedy conveyance ar- 
rived here last Night, and the Despencer is 
expected to come in every Moment. 

I have received from Mr. Jackson the fol- 
lowing Letters to which I shall pay a proper 
attention ; 
Duplicate 7th Febry. 1776 Informing me that Mr. 
Peacock was appointed to take charge of the 
C;2i33 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Elizabeth Storeship, and after delivering his 
Cargo to put himself under my Command. 

Duplicate 13th Febry. . Acquainting me that Mr. Rob- 
erts was appointed to the Charge of the Eliza- 
beth, in the room of Mr. Peacock. 

Duplicate 23d. Febry. To acquaint me it was His 
Majesty's pleasure that for the future the 
Transports were to be under the directions of 
the Commander in Chief of the Fleet. 

Triplicate 29th. Febry. Acknowledging the receipt 
of my Letters of the 19th. 27th. and 28th. 
January last with their Lordships replies 
thereto, and their pleasure respecting a Ship 
at Boston, recommended by Lieutenant 
Mowat to be purchased for His Majesty's 
service 

Triplicate 29th. Febry To acknowledge the receipt 
of my Letter of the 15th. January acquainting 
their Lordships of my Arrival at Boston. 

Duplicate ist. March Signifying their Lordships 

approbation of Mr. White the Surgeon of the 
Hospital at Boston, his returning to England, 
and my appointing a Surgeon of One of His 
Majesty's Ships to Succeed him. 

Duplicate 4th. Mar. Enclosing an Extract of a 
Memorial from the Persons concerned in the 
Chaleur and Gaspee Fisheries, and their 
Lordships pleasure upon that head. 

Duplicate 14th Mar: Enclosing an Article of In- 

telligence that an American Vessel was at 
Nantz, and that several were at other Ports in 
France in search of Ammunition. 

Duplicate 14 Mar. With intelligence of two Vessels 

[214;] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

having sailed from Bourdeaux to some Port in 
America with Gunpowder &ca. 

Duplicate i6. Mar. Enclosing a particular Account 
of the Alfred and other Rebel Privateers. 

Duplicate i6 . . With Intelligence of there being 
at Bourdeaux Several Vessels laden with Gun- 
powder &ca. supposed to be bound for Amer- 
ica. 

Duplicate i6th . . Giving information of some 
American Vessels taking in Gunpowder at 
Corunna, and others having Sailed to America 
with the like Commodity. 

Duplicate i6th. Relative to sending Transports to 

St. Vincents for the 6th. Regiment, also to 
carry the 48th. Regiment from Grenada and 
the ceded Islands to England. 

Duplicate 19th. Mar. To Acquaint me their Lord- 
ships had Ordered an Assortment of Stores 
for the Ships in America, as also that Careen- 
ing Geer would be sent, and that the Levant 
Victualler, was to come out under Convoy of 
the Greyhound. 

Duplicate 27th. Informing me that Ordnance Stores 
had been sent to Halifax, and that a further 
Supply was getting ready for that purpose. 

Duplicate 27 March Signifying His Majesty's pleas- 
ure that the 48th. Regiment should continue 
some time longer at the Ceded Islands, revok- 
ing their Lordships directions in your Letter 
of the 1 6th. Instant, respecting that Regiment, 
and further instructions relative to the 6th. 
Regiment. 

Duplicate 28th. With Extract of a Letter from Sir 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Joseph Yorke to the Earl of Suffolk, a Letter 
from Sir Joseph Yorke to Mr. Eden, one from 
Mr. Irvine to the Earl of Suffolk, and an Ar- 
ticle of Intelligence from Amsterdam, all 
which relate to the Exportation of Gunpow- 
der &ca. from Holland. 

Duplicate 29th Relative to the Sailing of Sir Peter 
Parker; of the Greyhound being sailed for 
Cork where she will take a Convoy of Vic- 
tuallers and others; the Isis and Triton being 
sailed for Quebec with the Bute and Lord 
Howe two large Ships, Commanded by 
Lieutenants, and that they were to be put on 
the Establishment of Sloops, for which their 
Commanders have Commissions. I am, 
Sir, 
Your most Obedient Servant, 
M : Shuldham 

Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 7 June 



C216] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Halifax 12 May 1776. 
Sir 

I am to acquaint you that last night His Majesty's 
Sloop Swan arrived at this place having a few days ago 
fallen in with the Dispencer Packet, bound to Boston, 
and taken out of her the Dispatches for General Howe 
and me; all which I have received and caused to be 
delivered; and am particularly to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of their Lordships Order of the 29th. March, 
wherein they are pleased to inform me that "it is in- 
tended Lord Viscount Howe should proceed to the 
Course of last Month to take upon him the Chief Com- 
mand of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed and 
to be employed in North America, and on his Lordships 
arrival to put myself under his Command and follow 
his Orders for my further proceedings," in answer to 
which I beg leave to acquaint you for their Lordships 
information that I shall with great Chearfulness resign 
that Command to his Lordship in the consciousness of 
having discharged my Duty with Fidelity to His Maj- 
esty, and with the Diligence and attention the im- 
portance of the Service required during the short 
Period in which I had the honor of being entrusted 
with it. 

The Evacuation of the Town and Harbour of Boston 
by the Fleet and Army I find was not known to their 
Lordships at the time their Orders were dated, and I 
presume they will see by my Letters that all proper 
measures were taken on that event taking place; I shall 

1:217:1 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

now consult with the General what further steps are 
necessary to be taken previous to, and respecting the Ar- 
rival of Lord Howe with the great reinforcement of 
British and Foreign Troops proceeding with His Lord- 
ship to America, and act conformable thereto, and I 
hope to their Lordships approbation— 

I am 

Sir, 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M: Shuldham 
Geo: Jackson Esqr. 

Endorsed 12 May 1776 | Halifax | Vice Adml. Shuld- 
ham I R 7 June 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Halifax Harbour 20th May 1776. 
Sir 

I am to acquaint you that an Armed Sloop sent from 
Cape Fear with dispatches for the General and myself 
arrived here the 13th. instant, and that by a Letter from 
Captain Hunt of His Majesty's Ship Sphinx I am ac- 
quainted with his arrival there with the Pigot Hospital 
Ship, Aurora and Emanuel Transports, the Sover- 
eign Victualler, and the King George Transport one of 
Sir Peter Parkers Squadron, which joined him upon 
the Coast. 

Captain Hunt further informs me that on the 14th. of 
March he spoke the Solebay off Madeira, when he was 

1:2183 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

acquainted that Ship parted from Sir Peter Parker the 
preceeding day, who had with him only Thirteen Sail 
of Transports, the Actaeon, Active, and Carcass Bomb, 
with many Transports having seperated from him. 

I have also been informed from Cape Fear, that sev- 
eral Transports which sailed with the Bristol, but 
which had parted from her, were arrived there. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servt. 
M: Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 20 May 1776 | Halifax | Vice Adml. Shuld- 
ham I R 26 June I A. 

Minute 27 June | Send a Copy to Ld. Geo. | Germain 
for the Kgs Informal: | 20 July | Answd. by the Per- 
seus 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham Halifax Harbour 20th. May 1776. 
Sir 

[I am to inform you of the arrival of His Majesty's 
Ship Greyhound at this place the i6th. instant, and also 
of the whole of her Convoy except the Hope, laden with 
Gunpowder and Ordnance Stores, which Ship I am 
sorry to acquaint you seperated from the Greyhound 
the loth. in a very thick fog, and has not since been 

[219] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

heard of; but as I am acquainted by Captain Dickson 
that he having before his departure from England re- 
ceived an anonymous Letter which intimated that the 
Master of that Ship was disaffectedly inclined, and that 
he on that account had put a Petty Officer and two Men 
on board her giving directions to the Officer "to attend 
"very particularly to the conduct of the Master, and if 
"he suspected him of any design to seperate from the 
"Convoy, or to put the Ship in the way of being taken 
"by the Rebel Privateers to confine him, and take the 
"Command of her, and ofifer a handsome reward to the 
"Seamen on board for their Assistance, if it should be 
"necessary" and as in my disposition of the Cruizers, I 
have taken every precaution for the protection of such 
Vessels as may come upon the Coast, and particularly 
those that may be Ordered to Boston, I hope she will be 
met with by some of His Majesty's Ships.] 

Captain Dickson delivered to me the following Or- 
ders and Letters, which shall be duly attended to.— 

Orders. 

29th. Januy. 1776. . To increase the Complements 
of the Ships as therein mentioned. 

26th. Febry. . . To put the Hope on the establish- 
ment of a Sloop 

29 ... . To take Captain Dickson in the Grey- 
hound under my Command. 

Letters. 
20th. February Mr. Jackson's inclosing Commis- 

sions for two first Lieutenants of Marines. 
23rd Do. acquainting me of my being pro- 
moted to Vice of the Blue. 
[220] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

5th. March Do. to acquaint me of a Subaltern and 
twenty three Marines being sent in the Grey- 
hound to be distributed to the Ships short of 
complement, and of their Lordships intention 
to send out Marines in future for that purpose 
in Vessels laden with Supplies. 
I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 20 May 1776 | Halifax | Vice Adml. Shuld- 
ham I R 26 June I B. R 26 June | Ansd. 20 July by the | 
Perseus 

Minute 27 June | Send a Copy within [ | ] to Ld. Geo. 
Germain for | the Kgs. informatn. | 29th. June | And 
send the like Ext. to the | Bd. of Ordnance for their 
informatn. 



[221] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour the 
20th. May 1776. 
Sir 

[I am to inform you His Majesty's Sloop Savage ar- 
rived here the 17th. Instant with dispatches from New 
York, bringing under Convoy the Ship Lady Gage and 
two other Vessels taken at that place by His Majesty's 
Ships. 

I herewith transmit to you Copies of Captain Park- 
/er's Letter, and the several Articles of Intelligence with 
which it was accompanied.] 

Their Lordships having by Mr. Jackson's Letter of 
the 29th. February signified to me their directions that 
I should purchase a Ship at Boston recommended by 
Lieutenant Mowat to be established as a Sloop in His 
Majesty's Service, which Vessel having been destroyed 
at the Evacuation of that place by the King's forces, and 
as the Lady Gage appears to be in every respect proper 
for that purpose, it is my intention to purchase and es- 
tablish her as a Sloop of War. 

[You will also receive by this Conveyance a List of 
/such Vessels as have been Seized or Taken by His Maj- 
esty's Ship as have come to my knowledge, since my last 
Account. Their Lordships will observe among them a 
Schooner which was laden with Gunpowder, Arms, and 
other Military Stores, taken by the Cerberus, and Dili- 
gent Brig, the Cargo of which Vessel appears to have 
cost Twenty seven thousand Livers at Cape Francois, 
and the additional number of Ships which will in fu- 

[222] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

ture be employed upon the American Coast must neces- 
sarily render the Rebels obtaining Supplies of these, 
and other Articles, still more difficult and precarious.] 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M. Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 20 May 1776 | Halifax | Vice Adml. Shuld- 
ham I R 26 June I C. | (with 10 Inclosures) 

Minute Copy within [ ] to Ld. G. | Germain 

with Copies of Nos. | i. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. | 



Enclosure A 

[ CAPTAIN PARKER TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Copy 
Sir, 

I received your Dispatches of the Sixth Instant, by 
Captain Bromedge of His Majesty's Sloop Savage; 
Your Letter of the Twentieth of March is truely dis- 
tressing and am afraid the unhappy cause that Obliged 
His Majestys Troops to go to Halifax will in a great 
Measure interrupt the Success upon this Province; 
there being now in the City of New York, upon Long 
Island, the Jerseys and Straten Island, Ten or Fifteen 
Thousand of the Provincial Army, which have, ever 

[223] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

since the Embarkation of the King's Troops from Bos- 
ton, been pouring in from the Camp at Cambridge and 
Pensylvania, these are now indefatigable in Fortifying 
every Height; The Fortifications about the Town you 
have an Account of in the Papers Marked Number One 
and Two; Ground is Marked out upon each side of the 
Narrows for Batteries. 

You will see Sir, by the Printed Advertisement of 
General Putman's that all communication with us is cut 
off, and Hostilities commenced by them upon the Sev- 
enth; Suspecting that it would soon happen, I was 
desirous of having the Ships Water compleated, for 
which purpose I Ordered Captain Bromedge to the 
Watering place upon Straten Island (a place we had 
always Watered at without interruption) Captain 
Bromedge's Orders were not to Fire, until our People 
were fired upon; these Orders were punctually exe- 
cuted ; for, at half past Nine in the Morning, about Five 
hundred of the Rebels came down a hollow way, and 
were not discovered, until they were so near the People 
placed to look out, that their retreat to the Boats was 
effectually cut off. The Rebels without any sort of 
Warning fired immediately upon the People employed 
filling the Water, upon which Captain Bromedge be- 
gan, and not until then, he very soon dispersed the Body 
to about Fifty, which Sheltered themselves behind 
Rocks, and in little Hollows, laying upon their Bellies 
and keeping up a very galling Fire, so much so, that he 
dare not venture a Boat to bring off his Cutter, which 
his Petty Officer very imprudently had allowed to 
Ground, finding he was not able to dislodge those Reb- 
els, I made his Signal to come off. 

The Situation of the Two Ships at the Arrival of the 

[224] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Savage was the same Sir, as when I had the Honor of 
writing you by Mr. Clark. But having received in- 
formation that the Rebels had an intention, of making 
an attempt to set the Asia on Fire, by means of a Number 
Vessels chained together, to be sent down upon an Ebb 
Tide, which runs very Strong. I was apprehensive this 
might be attended with disagreeable consequences, if 
not fatal, as her own Boats would be of very little effect 
upon such a Weight as a Number of Vessels chained 
together, in so strong a Tide's Way. Besides the great 
probability there was that the Rebels would erect Bat- 
teries upon Red Hook, from whence they might have 
Annoyed her very much. These reasons induced me to 
Order her down, nor should I have risqued that Ship 
so long, had I not been in daily expectation of the Fleet 
and Army. For while we were Able to keep those Sta- 
tions; a clear passage was kept open up the North 
River. Since the Asia has drop'd down, the Rebels 
have taken possession of Governor's Island where they 
have thrown up some Works, and also upon Red Hook. 
As any attempt of ours to interrupt their Fortifying 
the Narrows must in the end prove ineffectual from the 
great Height of the Lands upon each side. I judged it 
would be most conducive to His Majesty's Service, to 
preserve this place as a Port, and effectually Block it 
up, for which purpose, I have now placed the Asia, just 
above what is called the upper Middle Ground, a pass 
that the Rebels might in a great Measure, by sinking of 
Vessels, interrupt the passage of the Channel for the 
present. The Phoenix is at the Hook, which is the only 
place we can get Water, and this is of so Brackish a 
Nature, that I dread the Effects of it upon the Men's 
health's. 

[225 3 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Upon the Twenty Seventh of March having informa- 
tion, that the Ship Lady Gage, was moving from the 
Kilns (a place she had lain Aground from the time of 
her Arrival in the Winter) in order to go to Elizabeth 
Town, from whence it was proposed to push for Phila- 
delphia, to fit her out as a Privateer, I immediately Or- 
dered the Boats of the Two Ships under the directions 
of Lieutenant Robertson, to go and if he found it prac- 
ticable, to cut the said Ship out, if not to set her on Fire ; 
At the same time to send a Boat to Elizabeth Town 
Point, where the Blue Mountain Valley Transport laid 
(the Ship taken during the Winter) and if the Officer 
found her unguarded, he was to board her and set the 
Ship on Fire, both these Orders were Executed with 
punctuality and without loss. The Lady Gage is a fine 
New Ship, and a remarkable fast sailing One. 

On the Thirteenth the Nautilus Arrived with your 
Circular Letter; the other Dispatches you sent by the 
Glasgow, having been thrown Overboard in their En- 
gagement with the Rebel Privateers. 

The Situation His Majesty's Ships were in at this 
Port for want of Water, induced me to detain the Nau- 
tilus until the Twenty fourth, in Order to cover the 
Boats upon that service, until we had put the Light 
house in a State of defence, in doing of which I was 
reduced to the Necessity of burning the Dwelling house 
Annexed to it. The Lanthorn of it was totally destroyed 
by the Rebels on the Tenth of March, which has ren- 
dered the Light wholly useless as to Navigation. 

I think it my Duty Sir, from the confidence you have 
been pleased to place in me by communicating the Situ- 
ation of His Majesty's Troops, to tell you, that I do not 
imagine any Quantity of Provisions is to be expected in 

C226] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

this Province, until the Continental Army has received 
a severe Blow, and the King's Troops get possession of 
the Country, for however well inclined the greatest part 
of the Inhabitants of this Province are to give every 
Assistance, it is not in their power; As the Rebel Com- 
mittees are in possession of all the Landing Places, 
which totally prevents the Shipping of Provisions &ca. 
unless by their Permission. 

The Rebels have sent large Detachments of Troops 
towards Quebec, and a strong report prevails, that they 
have lately received another severe Check in that 
Quarter, but it is impossible in our present Situation to 
get at the Truth. They are exceedingly Assiduous both 
here and at Philadelphia in fitting out small Privateers, 
which I am apprehensive will in a very short time In- 
fest this Coast so, that no Vessel unless well Armed will 
be able to approach this Port. Considerable Exporta- 
tions of Flour are also carried out by the East end of 
Long Island. 

The News Papers say that the Privateers which fell in 
with the Glasgow, have lost a good Many Men and are 
considerably Shattered. These Ships by the same 
Channel are said to have been at Providence, taken the 
Governor Prisoner and brought off all the Military 
Stores to a considerable Amount. The Continental 
Congress Publickly publish in their News Papers Or- 
ders for making reprisals of all British Property, as also 
Copies of Commissions and Instructions for their Pri- 
vateers. 

From the Contractor of this Port, not being able to 
furnish the Ships with Rum, Pease, Butter and Cheese, 
the Asia begins to feel a great want in the three last Ar- 
ticles, to remedy this Evil as much as possible, I have 

1:2273 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Ordered her to be Supplied with Flour and Melasses 
from the Prizes in lieu of those Articles, and have also 
compleated the Spirits on board both Ships to three 
Months, from Rum of the Cargo of the Brig Mary. It 
having been represented to me, that the Limes on board 
the Brig Diligence were perishing; I have with Advice 
of the Surgeons; Divided what remained between the 
two Ships with Orders for a Quantity of the Juice to be 
Mixed with the Grog. 

His Majesty's Pacquet Boat the Swallow Arrived at 
this place, March the Tenth and has been detained by 
the Governor, for Government Dispatches until the 
Nineteenth of this Month; Since which it has not been 
in my power to give her Convoy, being under the Ne- 
cessity of keeping the Savage constantly in Store to 
Cover the people employed Watering. 

Lieutenant Oldfield of the Marines having died since 
my last Letters, has induced me to defer the complying 
with your Order, for the Discharge of Lieutenant 
Sterling, until you shall be pleased to Order another 
Lieutenant to the Command of the Party. 

You will see Sir, by the report of Vessels taken that a 
Number of them have been Sunk, and destroyed, these 
were such that were by no means fit to be sent to Halifax 
and the putting Men into them would have Weakened 
our Ships considerably, I therefore saw no other 
Method of disposing of them, but destroying of them. 

Having received intelligence of a Schooner with 
Arms from Providence being to sail soon after the Ves- 
sel in which those Letters for Admiral Graves came; I 
judged that those Letters might have contained some 
Intelligence respecting the Schooner, I therefore took 
upon me to open them. 

1:228] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosed Sir, I have the Honor of transmitting the 
State and Condition of His Majesty's Ships under my 
Command, as also the different reports &ca. respecting 
them since my last Letters. I have the Honor to be, 

Sir, 
Your most Obedient and 
most Humble Servant. 
H. Parker 

Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. Rear Admiral of the 
White &ca. &ca. 

Phoenix, Sandy Hook 
New York 29th. April 1776 

Endorsed 29 April 1776. | Copy of a Letter from | 
Captn. Parker to Vice | Admiral Shuldham. | In Dup. 
V. A. Shuldham's I 20 May 1776. 



C229] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
Enclosure B 



State of the Fortifications at New York 





Nature of 










Guns. 
Pounders. 




H 


Where placed on the 
different Batteries. 


The Form of 
the Batteries. 


32 


18 


12 


6 




2 


i< 


4 




6 
6 
6 
3 


Behind the Governors House near the) 
old Church, facing the North Riverf 

Above Black Sams Hill on Greenwich) 
road facing the North River 5 

Behind Mr. Harris's Brew house by) 
the Forge facing Do. Do. 3 

In broad way facing the Fort - - - 


E Half Moon 

E Half Moon. 

E Cock Pitt 

E across the street 


4 


if 


" 


" 


4 


On the Dock opposite the Albany) 
Pier, facing the East river 3 


E Square 


4 


2 




a 


6 
8 


At the Ship Yards, facing Do.- - - 

By the Jews burying ground, behind) 
the Ship Yards 3 

Mr. Byards Hill near the Bowery road 

Round the New Hospital, by the New/ 
road 3 


E In Squares 

E 

S Breast Works 




n 


" 


4 


4 


Behind Mr. Waltons House at Horns) 
Hook facing the East River ) 


E Angles. 


4 


2 


2 


II 


8 
6 


On the Height, So. of Long Island) 
Ferry, facing the East River - -3 

Fort George ----- 


E Angular. 
E 










57 





C230] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

The above where the Letter E stands are Batteries with 
Guns mounted as stands in the Columns. The Letter S is 
Breast Works for small Arms only. That Breast work 
on the Hill by the Jews Burying Ground will contain 
near 400 Men, it is made in an Angular form, with a 
large Trench all round; The Entrance into it on the 
bark part facing Mr. John's House on the Hill going to 
Corleys Hook. The Breast work round the New Hos- 
pital is in Squares with a Trench all round, 10 feet wide 
at the Top, and at Bottom one foot and half, this Breast 
Work will contain about 300 Men, and as they intend to 
Line the Hospital with Men to Fire over the Breast 
Works I know not how many Men it will contain. 

There is one thing I shall remark that their Embra- 
zures are so narrow and confined, that should any Ship 
pass, there is no one Gun can bear more than once to do 
any Damage to any Ship. That Battery on Long Island 
is so narrow and confined that it will not contain above 
300 Men. 

I need not give the Names of the Streets in the Town 
that is Blockaded, as every Street facing both North 
and East Rivers has wooden Trunks made across 10 feet 
thick filled with Earth, in Order to intercept any 
Troops that may attempt landing. I cannot see any 
Cover for the Rear, only Mr. Byards Hill, it will con- 
tain near 300 Men, One Gun points across to Greenwich 
and one over Mr. Delancy's House, Two directly up the 
Road to Kings Bridge, and four Guns over the Town, 
but I never saw any Works worse Plan'd on such a Spot 
of Advantageous Ground. The Numbers placed in the 
Total Column has not yet their Guns placed, but are to 
mount the Number as above Marked. In the Total 
Column, the half moon Battery on Black Sams Hill 

C23O 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

will contain about 400 Men ; This Battery is Open on 
the Side next to the New Hospital as the Hospital Cov- 
ers it. 

The Cock Pitt Battery behind Mr. Harris's Brew 
House will contain about 250 Men. The Battery be- 
hind the Governors House, it may contain about 200 
Men or more. The Battery at the Ship Yards may con- 
tain 500 Men ; they have began a Redout about a quar- 
ter of a Mile behind the Battery on Long Island, which 
appears to be pretty large, but as they have not done any 
work at it for this two Days, I immagine they are going 
to alter the Plan of it. As to Fort George, they have 
pulled down all the Square, fronting Broadway and the 
Embrazures on the Ramports not finished I shall leave 
that 'til another opportunity. 

Endorsed State of the Fortifications | at New York 
&ca. I No. I. 



Enclosure C 

New York April 17th. 1776. 
Secret Intelligence. 

Since my last of April 9th. I have endeavour'd to 
collect the number of the Brigade which arrived from 
Boston the 9th. and loth. Instant commanded by one 
Sullivan, which is Six Regiments, about 550 Men in 
each Regiment, and on the nth. instant the following 
brass field pieces arrived here from Cambridge, Four 6 
Pounders, two of which are the King's, Four 3 Do. and 
Two, 4 Do. Total Ten. Eight 6 Poundrs. belonging 

C232] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

to New York, which were cast at the Forge on Green- 
wich Road— those Six belonging to New York are 
joined in a Park with the King's, by the Liberty Pole. 
The total in all Eighteen. 

From Philadelphia the 12th. instt. arrived here 40 
Artillery Men— Mr. Washington arrived here the 13th. 
as a private Gentleman the 14th. and 15th. arrived from 
Boston 120 Men and from the best Accounts I can get 
from them, they left in Boston Six Regiments which 
may be near 3060 Men; and they are the whole of 
Washington's Troops left in or near Boston. But if any 
attempt should be made by the King's Troops there, 
they wholly depend on the Assistance of the Country 
Militia. 

The two Privateers fitted out here has not met with 
such good success as they expected, they cannot get Men 
to man them as yet— One that carries Six 4 Pounders is 
to have 40 Men, and the other that carries Four, 4 
Pounders is to have 30 or 35 Men— 

They have now mounted on Fort George Seven Guns 
32 and 12 Pounders; and on the lower Battery under 
Fort George have mounted Ten 32 Pounders— the Em- 
brazures on this last Battery, are not as yet finished. 
They have three 32 Pounders mounted on the Cock pit 
Battery, behind Mr. Harrison's Brew-house near the 
Forge. —There is no alteration in the rest of the Bat- 
teries since the Account given the 9th. April, only the 
redoubt on Long Island is entirely left off, which was 
all the cover they had for their rear, they have made one 
small Breast Work between the Ferry and the Battery 
on the Bank, forty paces round and open in the rear. 
The works on Governors Island and red Hook, they are 
now working at. I have not seen, but am made to un- 

[233] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

derstand, that on the Governors Island is to have Four 
Guns, the works are about 400 Yards round— Red bank 
is to mount Three Guns. I am informed they are 
throwing up some works on each side of the Narrows, 
but cannot affirm it for a certainty. 

I can say no more at present, but will do every thing 
in my power to serve his Majesty's Arms. 

I am &ca. 

NB. Since I wrote the fore part of the above, two 
Brigs and three Sloops, are come down the Sound, with 
the remaining part of Washington's Army about 300 
Men. It is a great pity that some method cannot be 
taken to stop the communication down the Sound to the 
Town; as it would certainly prevent the Rebels from 
receiving any supplies but by Land. 

NB. This Letter is from a Man whose Information 
has proved he may be depended upon. No. i is from 
the same person. 

H. P. 
Endorsed Secret Intelligence. | No. 2. 



[234] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure D 

[ RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS ] 

Philadelphia, April 8. In Congress March 6th. 1776. 

Resolved, That any goods, wares and merchandizes, 
except staves and empty Casks, other than shaken or 
knock'd down casks for Molasses, may be exported 
from the Thirteen United Colonies, by the Inhabitants 
thereof, and by the people of all such Countries as are 
not subject to the King of Great Britain, to any parts of 
the world which are not under the dominion of the said 
King: Provided that no Vessel be permitted to export 
any greater number of shaken or knock'd down Mo- 
lasses Casks than the same Vessel is capable of carrying 
when they shall be filled with Molasses. 
Resolved, That any Goods, wares and merchandize, 
except such as are of the growth, production or manu- 
facture of, or brought from any Country under the 
dominion of the King of Great Britain, and except East 
India Tea may be imported from any other parts of the 
world, to the Thirteen United Colonies, by the Inhabi- 
tants thereof, and by the people of all such countries as 
are not subjects to the said King, liable however to all 
such duties and impositions as now are or may hereafter 
be laid by any of the said Colonies. 
Resolved, That nothing herein contained shall be 
understood to prevent such future commercial regula- 
tions as shall be thought just and necessary by their 
United Colonies or their respective legislatures. 

[235] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Resolved, That no Slaves be imported into any of 
the Thirteen United Colonies. 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies 
and Conventions in the several Colonies to appoint 
proper Officers at Convenient places in their respective 
Colonies to take Bond in adequate penalties, for ob- 
serving the regulations made by the Congress or Assem- 
blies or Conventions, concerning Trade, and for 
securing the observation of such parts as are not incon- 
sistent therewith, and that the obligor shall within 
Eighteen Months after the departure of the Vessel, pro- 
duce to such Officers a Certificate under the hands and 
seals of three or more reputable Merchants residing at 
the Port or place where the Cargo shall be delivered, 
that the same was there unladed, and take manifests 
upon Oath of the Cargoes exported and imported, and 
keep fair Accounts and Entries thereof, give bills of 
health when desired, grant registers shewing the prop- 
erty of the Vessels cleared out, and Sign Certificates 
that the requisites for qualifying vessels to trade have 
been complied with, and that the fees of the said Offi- 
cers be stated by the respective Assemblies or Conven- 
tions Provided always that no prosecution upon any of 
the said Bonds shall be commenced but within three 
Years after the date thereof. 

Resolved, That all goods, wares and merchandize, 
except such as are made prize of, which shall be im- 
ported directly or indirectly from Great Britain or Ire- 
land, into any of these United Colonies, contrary to the 
regulations established by Congress, shall be forfeited 
and disposed of agreable to such rules as shall be made 
by the several Assemblies or Conventions, or shall be 
liable to prosecution and condemnation in any Court, 

1:2363 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

erected or to be erected for the determination of mari- 
time affairs in the Colony where the seizure shall be 
made. 

By Order of Congress, 
(Signed,) JOHN HANCOCK, President. 

Endorsed Copy of the Resolves | of the Continental | 
Congress 6th. March 1776. 



Enclosure E 

[ PLAN OF THE CHEVEAUX-DE-FRIZE IN THE 
DELAWARE RIVER ] 

If any part of the Fleet are Ordered up to Philadel- 
phia, the formidable bug-bears which the Philadel- 
phians have sunk in their River, and which they call 
Cheveaux de f rize, may be passed by bribing one of the 
Pilots which carries their own Vessels through them. 
They are about Twenty feet high, and the Hypothenuse 
about thirty feet, made of Spars about Eighteen Inches 
Square, and One foot long, the Wood frame pretty well 
joined ; and the Side view of it is thus. 




It is about 16 or 18 feet wide, and the lower part will 
contain about 15 or 20 Tons of Stones. They bar the 
Channel across in this manner. 

[;237l 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

I I I z: I I 



: I J : 



They are guarded by two Brigs which carry i8 Pound- 
ers, and a floating Battery which carries Ten 12 Pound- 
ers ; but they are not Manned with Sailors. I should be 
very sorry to hear of the destruction of so fine a City, 
but should rejoice to hear of two or three Men of War 
passing through or weighing up their Cheveaux de 
frise, and taking their Vessels; that they may be con- 
vinced, that nothing is impossible to the British Tars, 
and that 'tis in vain to contend with Great Britain. 
This from a Gentleman of Credit at Philadelphia. 

H. P. 

Endorsed Plan of the Cheveaux | de f rize in Delaware | 
River. 



Enclosure F 

Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia dated 
1 8th. March 1776. 

We are all hearty and in good Spirits. The People 
from the Country are coming in and enlisting daily. 
On the i6th. February Francis Proctor with Seventy 
Montrosses Sailed for Carolina in a Brig. 

On the 17th. Fleet sailed from the Old Kill Road; 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

the Pilot left them about three Leagues distance from 
the False Cape, steering to the Southward. 

On the 27th. a French Tartan Arrived with Arms 
and Powder, a Brig belonging to one Hodges of this 
place with 300 Stand of Arms 24 Tons of Powder and 
Linnin from Amsterdam. 

Our floating Battery is Launched, she is to mount 
Eighteen 9 Pounders, 200 Men and 18 Oars to be sta- 
tioned at the Fort, where Two Piers are to be sunk to 
swing the Chain ; A Brig a three New York Pilot Boats 
arrived with Powder, the Brig was a Sloop Lengthened 
at New York, she is purchased by the Congress to carry 
1 10 Men and to Mount sixteen 4 Pounders, and 16 Oars. 
They have been trying to Sink Shiver De Frieux at 
Marcut's Hook. The Association Act does not take the 
efifect they expected, they talk of a Convention and lay 
aside the Assembly but it is opposed. 

Lee set off the 15th. of March with about 100 Men, 
(that he brought with him from Virginia, There are 
several Companies going to New York this Week if 
they can get in Cloaths. 

Major Coats sets off with a considerable Sum of Gold 
and Silver the 28th. of this Month for New York to go 
to Quebec. There is a great many people who want to 
get on board His Majesty's Ships if they could tell how. 
They go on very brisk with their Frigates, the Guard- 
ship will be launched next week, she that belonged to 
New York is now called the Lexington Captain Barbut; 
I believe she will not be readily manned, if the people 
could get any encouragement to go into His Majesty's 
Service and be sure of a Discharge at the end of the 
Trouble for a great many has engaged out of necessity, 
but are very unwilling. They have used the Prisioners 

[239] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

very ill that was taken at Egg Harbour put five of them 
in a Dungeon in Irons. 

The Assembly have passed an Act to raise 1500 Men 
more, 1000 Rifle and 500 Musquet Men. There is 
about 2000 Stand of Arms and about Seventy Tons of 
Powder come in since the 13th. February. They expect 
many Vessels and there is several going out to Sea. 
There is a great many New England Vessels here for 
Flour and other Provisions, which will be ready to sail 
next week, I wish we could have a Cruizer or two to 
intercept them 

Endorsed Duplicate | Extract of a Letter from | Phila- 
delphia, Dated i8th. March 1776. 



Enclosure G 

[ ORDER ISSUED BY GENERAL PUTNAM ] 

Head-Quarters New York, 
April 8th. 1776. 
The General, informs the inhabitants, that it is be- 
come absolutely necessary, that all communication, 
between the ministerial fleet and shore, should be im- 
mediately stopped, for that purpose, has given positive 
orders, that the ships should no longer be furnished 
with Provisions. Any inhabitant, or others, who shall 
be taken, that have been on board, or near any of the 
Ships, or going on board, will be considered as enemies, 
and treated accordingly. 

All boats are to sail from Beekman's-slip; Capt. 
James Alner is appointed Inspector, and will give per- 
il 240] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

mits for oyster men: It is expected and ordered, that 

none attempt going without a pass. 

Israel Putnam, Major General in the 
continental Army, and Commander 
in Chief of the Forces in New York/ 

Endorsed Copy of General Putmans \ Advertisement at 
New I York— April 8. 1776. 



Enclosure H 
[J. K. TO GOVERNOR TRYON ] 

New York April 26th. 1776 
Several expresses have lately arrived to General 
Washington from the Northward, who bring disagre- 
able Intelligence from the Army in Canada, and has 
occasioned a meeting of the General Officers in Town. 
—All things are kept a profound Secret and scarce any- 
thing to be got out of them,— but from the best intelli- 
gence they have been severely drub'd in that Quarter, 
some say the Rebels have lost 1600 Men, some say more, 
some say less— be that as it may they are quite Crest 
fallen— General Washington sent his Aid de Camp to 
Philadelphia to the Congress with some News or Dis- 
patches he would not trust by any other person, and last 
night or this Morning sent one of his Officers to the 
Congress. 

It is said that General Wooster, in Order to suppress 
Idolatry obstructed the Host on Easter Sunday and shut 
up some of the Churches grosly insulting the people. 
This excited the indignation of the Canadians and a 

^ Putnam was in command at New York until the arrival of Wash- 
ington, April 13, 1776. 

[241] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Religious Frensy seized them. They are determined to 
support Government to the utmost. A large Body of 
them have offered their Service to Carlton there are said 
to be between Two and three thousand Men— The In- 
dians have received their presents as usual by the Mis- 
sisipy — and that they have taken up the Hatchet — The 
People of Albany are greatly alarmed— Wooster has 
thrown the blame of his imprudence on one Walker 
who it is said is under an Arrest by order of the Con- 
gress—A Report prevails that Lee has given himself up 
to Lord Dunmore with Five hundred Men, after fleec- 
ing the Congress of all their Gold and Silver,— what 
gives Credit to this report is that Lewis Morris Junr. his 
Aid de Camp is returned and appears without any 
Military mark of Distinction— General Thompson ap- 
peared to leave this place with great regret and the 
Troops went off with great reluctance, nay much 
against their wills, and they were obliged to pay them 
well to get them off— It is supposed about three thou- 
sand went with the last Embarkation, a number of 
Negroes said to belong to the Tories are in the Army— 
The CoUedge is taken for Barracks, And the Inhabi- 
tants not suffered to Walk the Streets after Ten o'Clock 
at night without the Countersign— Several Houses on 
the Church ground have been pulled down. 

JK 

A Copy of a Letter sent to Governor Tryon April 28 
and appears to be from a Confidential Friend to Gov- 
ernment. 

Endorsed 26 April 1776 | Copy of a Letter from a | 
Gentleman at New York | to His Exy. Governor Tryon | 
containing Intelligence | from Canada &ca. 

[;242] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure I 

[ GOVERNOR TRYON TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Ship Dutchess of Gordon 
Sandy-Hook ist. May 1776. 
Sir, 

Tho personally unknown to you I cannot deny myself 
the satisfaction of acquainting you of the Spirited 
behaviour of Captain Bromedge in the attack at the 
Watering place on the 7th. Instant when the Enemy 
treacherously fired upon the Seamen on Shore. Not- 
withstanding they have secreted their loss it appears by 
the Affidavit of a Countryman who was on the spot a 
few Hours after the Action that the Rebels had Twenty 
four Men killed and Sixteen Wounded. The particu- 
lars of this affair I presume you will receive from Cap- 
tain Parker. This circumstance so honourable to 
Captain Bromedge, and happening within my own view 
induces me to wish, and I would even beg leave to 
solicit, that his merit and long Services may be re- 
warded by you with a better ship. 

I am with respect 
Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servt. 
Wm. Tryon. 
Admiral Shuldham. 

Endorsed i May 1776 | Copy of a Letter from | Gover- 
nor Tryon, I relating Capt. Bromedge 

[243:1 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 
Enclosure J 



An Account of Vessels Seized or Taken by His Majesty's 

the last Account 



When Seized or 


Where 


What Sort 

of 

Vessel 


Names of the 


Taken 


Vessels 


Masters 


Owners 


March 9th 


1776 


Liverpool 


u 


Mermaid 


Davd. Bray 


Wm. Freeman 


24 




(( 


it 


Ebenezer 


Jno. Clemons 


Jno. Pedrick 


April 21 




Port Meetoon 


a 


York 


Robt. Down 


Jno. Stone 


Janry 23 
Febry 25 
March 8 




At Sea 

Cape Fear Har- 
bor 
At Sea 


Brig 
Do. 

Sloop 


Hibernia 
Two Friends 
Adventure 


Saml. Avery 
Dougl. Magregor 
Fras. Beardman 


Thos. & James 

Cochran 
Robt. Campbell 
Dougl. Magregor 
Wm. McKane 
and the Master 


April 18 




<( 


Schooner 


Martha 


Josh. Brownlow 


Abram. Eve 


March 2d 
8 




Gravesend Bay 

N. York 


Sloop 
Do. 


Ranger 
Betsey 


Thos. Dobbs 
Alexr. Gardner 




17 




(( 


Brig 


Diligence 


" Robinson 


Mr. Barnard 


20 




K 


Do. 


Mary 


Anty. Shoemaker 


Jno. Ellis 


22 




Cranbury Inlet 


Sloop 


Wanton 


Jno. Mount 


Saml. Burling 


28 




Elizabeth Town 


Ship 


Lady Gage 


(( 


(( 


April 5 




Gravesend Bay 


Sloop 


Betsey 


Chrisr. Bradley 


Rd. Westcott 


5 




(( 


Do. 


Hannah 


Isaac Buck 


Jas. Howell 


10 




Gravesend Bay 


Do. 


Sukey 


(1 


(( 


15 


(( 


Do. 


Do. 


Diana 


Jona. Haddon 


Jona. Haddon 


17 


a 


Do. 


Do. 


Industry 


Wm. Roach 


Jas. Wells 


17 


(1 


Do. 


Brig 


Amazon 


Jno. Clark 


(( 



[244] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



lips and Vessels in North America, received 
IS transmitted. 



smce 



From 
Whence 


Where 
Bound 


By what 

Ship 
Taken 


To what 
Port sent 

for 
Security 


Cargo 


How 
dis- 
posed 
of 


minica 

rm N. Scotia 


Liverpool 
Do. 


Senegal 
Do. 


Halifax 
Do. 


Melasses Rum Flour and 

Coffee 

Wood 




d York 
spaniola 


Fishing 
Halifax 


Do. 

Falcon 


Do. 
Cape Fear 


Some Salt and 6 Weeks 

Provisions 

Melasses Sugar and Coffee 




iladelphia 


Cape Fear 


Do. 


Do. 


Ballast 




orge Town 
rmuda 
w York 


Salem 
Cleared for St. 

Augustine 
Bound to the 

Rebels 
Egg Harbor 


Do. 

Do. 

Phoenix 


Do. 
Do. 


Rice, Indigo and Skins 

Salt 

Ballast 


Sunk 


iladelphia 


Do. 


Do. 


(( 


Do. 


Sunk 


w Providence 


New York 


Do. 


Halifax 


Melasses, Fruit &ca. 




Christophers 


Said to be 
bound to Cork 


Do. 


New York 


One hundred and Seventy 
two Hhds of Rum 




anbury Inlet 


" 


Do. 


11 


Ballast 




t from a Wh 


arf 


Do. 


Halifax 


Do. 




g Harbor 


(( 


Do. 


u 


Melasses and Sugar 


Sunk 


Lucia 


i( 


Do. 


(( 


Melasses and Brandy 




ack point 


N. York 


Do. 


u 


Oysters 




rnigatt 


Amboy 


Do. 


l( 


Cedar Rails 




Do. 


Stoning town 


Do. 


" 


Lumber 




ladalupe 


Said to be bound 
to St. Peters 


Do. 


Halifax 


Ballast 





1:2453 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Time When Seized 


Where 


What 
Sort of 

Vessel 


Names of the 


or Taken 


Vessels 


Masters 


Owners 


Febry. 6 


1776 


New York 


Sloop 


(( 


" Murray 


" Murray 


Mar. 19 


i( 


Do. 


Do. 


Elizabeth 


Jas. Woglum 


Jas. Woglum 


19 


(( 


(1 


Do. 


Mary 


(( 


" 


April 21 


(< 


(( 


(( 


Hetty 


Jno. Hortwick 


Jno. Hortwick 


May I 


(> 


Off Block 
Island 


Schoonr. 


Lyon 


Moses Barlow 





Endorsed Accot. of Vessels | Seized by His Majts. Ships | 
No. 9. 

1:246: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



From 
Whence 


Where 
Bound 


By what 
Ship 
Taken 


To what 

Port sent 

for Security 


Cargo 


How 

dis- 

josed of 


Jerseys 

Do. 

Do. 
Long Island 
Cape Francois 


North River 
New York 

Do. 
Do. 

Jerseys 
Rhode Island 


Asia 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Cerberus 


Halifax 


Pig Iron 

Flour 

Pig Iron 

Sand 

Arms Ammunition &ca. 


Sunk 



Chatham Halifax Harbour 23rd. May 1776. 

M : Shuldham 



In Vice Adml. Shuldhams | Lre of 20 May ] Marked C | 

1:2473 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour 
23d. May 1776. 
Sir, 

[Herewith I transmit you the Disposition of His 
/Majesty's Squadron under my Command;] also a List 
/of the Promotions and removals of Officers since my 
last Account which I beg their Lordships will be 
pleased to Confirm by sending out the several Commis- 
sions and Warrants for them. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 23 May 1776 | Halifax | Vice Adml. Shuld- 
ham I R 26 June | (2 Inclosures) R 26 June | 

Answd. 20 July by the Orpheus 

Minute 27 June | Send a Copy within | [ ] with a 

Copy of the | disposition to Ld. G. Germain for | &ca. 



[2493 



Enclosure A 



Disposition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North 



Rate 



4th 
6th 



Sloop 

(< 

Store Ship 

Brig 

Schooner 



Ships 



Sloop 



4th 



6th 



Sloop 
Brig 



4th 
6th 



Chatham 

Lively 

Scarborough 

Greyhound 

Savage 

Swan 

Adventure 

Diligent 

Halifax 

Tryal 

Dispatch 

Merlin 

Viper 

Tamer 

Senegal 

Centurion 

Renov^^n 

Milford 

Hope 

Bolton 

Experiment 

Rose 

Cerberus 



Commanders 



V. Admiral Shuldham 
Captn. John Raynor 

" Thos. Bishop 

Andw, Barkley 
" Archd. Dickson 
" Hugh Bromedge 
" Jas, Ayscough 

Lieutt. Jno. Hallum 
" Edmd. Dod 
" Wm. Quarme 
" Jno. Brown 
" Jno. Goodridge 

Captn. W. Chr. Burnaby 
" Saml. Graves 
" Chrr. Mason 
" Wm. Duddingston 
" Richd. Brathwaite 
" Fras. Banks 
" John Burr 
" Geo. Dawson 

Lieut. Edwd. Sneyd 

Capt. Alexr. Scot 
" Jas. Wallace 
" Jno. Symons 

1:2503 



In Halifax Harbour 



At Annapolis in 
In the Bay of 
At Windsor in 
Cruizing between 
Cruizing between 
Cruizing and 
Do. 
Cruizing in Bos- 
Supposed to be 

Supposed to be 

Ordered to Cruize 
of St. George's 

Cruizing between 



America, under the Command of Vice Admiral Shuldham. 

Disposition 



Moored off the Yard. 

I Under Orders to proceed with the Levant Victualler to New York and the) 
(Delaware, and from thence to Cape Fear and Saint Augustine. ) 

Refitting. 

Intended to accompanj' the Convoy to New York. 
Alongside the Jetty preparing to heave dovv^n. 
Intended to accompany the Convoy to New York, 

To accompany the Fleet. 

Under Orders to proceed to the Island St. John to bring away Ord- 
nance Stores. 

Refitting. 

Lying at the entrance of the Harbour to examine all Vessels. . 

To accompany the Convoy, 
the Bay of Fundy, Ordered to Halifax with a Convoy laden with Forage. 
Fundy, Cruizing. 

the Bay of Fundy to Convoy Transports with Troops to Cumberland, 
the Isle of Shoals and Penobscott Bay. 

Cape Sable and Cape Anne in the Longitude of Saint Georges Bank, 
rendezvousing occasionally in Boston Bay and Nantasket Road, 
under the Command of Captain Banks. 

ton Bay and off Piscataqua under command of Captain Banks, 
taken by the Rebels. 

in Nantasket Road, Ordered to join Sir Peter Parker. 

between Cape Cod and Cape Anne, Stretching off to the North part 
Bank. 

Martha's Vineyard and the East end of Long Island. 

1:2513 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 


5th 


Orpheus 


Capt. 


Chas. Hudson 


(( 


Phoenix 


(( 


Hyde Parker 


3d 


Asia 


(( 


Geo. Vandeput 


5th 


Roebuck 


(( 


A. S. Hamond 


6th 


Fowey 


u 


Geo. Montagu 


Sloop 


King's fisher 


<( 


Alexr, Grame 


6th 


Liverpool 


u 


Henry Bellew 1 


Sloop 


Otter 


(( 


Mattv^. Squire J 


(( 


Cruizer 


(( 


Fras, Parry 1 


(( 


Scorpion 


(( 


Hon. Jno. Tollemache J 


6th 


Sphynx 


<( 


Anty. Hunt 1 


(< 


Syren 


" 


Tobias Furneaux J 


(< 


Mercury 


a 


Jas. Montagu ] 


Sloop 


Falcon 


(( 


John Linzee J 


(( 


Raven 


a 


Jno. Stanhope 1 


Armed Ship 


Cherokee 


Lieut 


, Jno. Ferguson J 


Schooner 


St. Lawrence 


(( 


Jno. Graves 


u 


Hinchinbrook 


<( 


Alexr. Ellis 


Sloop 


Nautilus 


Capt. 


John Collins 


Schooner 


St. John 


Lieut 


. Wm, Grant 


6th 


Lizard 


Capt. 


Jno. Hamilton 


Sloop 


Hunter 


(( 


Thos. Mackenzie 


Brig 


Gaspee 


Lieut 


Geo. Wilson 


5th 


Niger 


Capt. 


Geo. Talbot 



1:2523 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Disposition 



IStationed between Long Island and Cape Henlopen. 
At New York. 

In the River Delaware. 

jSent to the Dalaware, to be under the Command of Captn. Hamond. 

On his passage to the Delaware, to put himself under the Command of Captain Hamond. 

At Virginia. 

Ordered to Boston by Vice Admiral Graves. 

At North Carolina. 

At Cape Fear. 

Supposed to be Cruizing off Cape Fear, General Clinton on board the Mercury. 

At Savannah, in the Province of Georgia. 

At Cape Fear. 

At St. Augustine. 

Sent to Bermuda, for the protection of the King's Ordnance Stores. 

At St, Augustine. 

At Quebec. 

Sent to Convoy the 47th Regiment to Quebec. 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour the 24th May 1776. 

M : Shuldham. 



1:253] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 
Duplicate. 



Sir, 



Chatham, In Halifax Harbour, June 2d. 

1776. 

I am to acquaint you that the Canceaux ar- 
rived here Yesterday and that I have received 
the following Orders and Letters, with the 
Several papers referred to in them, and also 
duplicates of other Letters and Orders, which 
have been received before and Acknowledged. 

Orders 
April 1 8th. 1776. To send the Fowey to Newfound- 
land and to deliver a Pacquet inclosed to Cap- 
tain Montagu. 
4th— To Purchase a Ship at Boston called 
the Britania, and to Establish her as a Sloop 
by the Name of the Albany, to appoint 
Lieutenant Mowat to Command her, and to 
put a Lieutenant to Command the Canceaux. 
1 2th— That the Marines sent from the Ships 
to the Battalions should be discharged by Pay 
List. 
1 8th. To take Lieutenant Mowat in the Can- 
ceaux under my Command — 

Letters 
1 8th— Enclosing to me Lists of the Several 
Vessels sent under the different Convoys to 
America &ca 

1:254:] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

19th. Relative to Cruizers being sent off 

Bermuda, for the Protection of the homeward 
bound West India Trade. 

Respecting the Orders, I must inform you that the 
Ship Lady Gage, which by my Letter of the 20 May, I 
acquainted you I intended to purchase in lieu of the 
Britannia (which Ship was destroyed at Boston at the 
Evacuation of that place,) was upon being Surveyed by 
the proper Officers found insufficient for the Metal sent 
out in the Canceaux; I have therefore purchased an- 
other ship every way suitable to their Lordships inten- 
tions, and have taken the Necessary measures for 
Establishing her as a Sloop by the Name of the Albany, 
agreeable to their Lordships Commands, and shall 
cause her to get ready for Sea as fast as possible. 

The Fowey is now in the River Delaware under Cap- 
tain Hammond, but I shall lose no time in ordering her 
to Newfoundland. 

With reference to your Letter of the i8th. of April, 
I am to Inform you that I have been acquainted by Cap- 
tain Talbot of the Niger, (which Ship arrived here 
Yesterday and brought me the News of the happy Sit- 
uation of His Majesty's Affairs in Canada) that the 
Juno and Blonde with the Transports under their Con- 
voy were as far up the River Saint Lawrence as Cape 
Chat on the 21st. May, and that the Convoy under the 
Carysfort and Pearl were then in the Gulph. 

Their Lordships may be assured I shall Continue so 
to dispose of the Ships under my Command, that the 
Rebels may be as far as possible prevented from holding 
any intercourse with foreign parts, and that the Utmost 
vigilance has been Used by his Majesty's Cruizers to 

1:2553 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

hinder their obtaining the Supplies, which from the 
very great extent of Coast I have to Guard, have un- 
luckily fallen into their hands. 

I shall at every opportunity make known, according 
to their Lordships directions, the Reward intended to 
be given to the Mate and Seamen of the Ship from 
Philadelphia (which you inform me has been carried 
into Bristol by them,) and I flatter myself the Encour- 
agement these Men have met with for their Loyalty and 
attachment to their Country, will induce others to fol- 
low their Example. 

In answer to your Letter of the 19th. April signify- 
ing their directions that I should send occasional 
Cruizers ofif the Bermuda Islands for the Protection of 
the West India Trade, you will please to Acquaint their 
Lordships I shall pay all the Attention in my power to 
that Service but they will be pleased to observe that not- 
withstanding the number of ships that have sailed from 
England for this Country, I have been joined by no 
more than the Milford, which I cannot remove from 
Boston Bay, the Greyhound is now here, and which I 
must detain to assist in Convoying the Transports with 
the Troops and other ships from hence, which are ex- 
pected to move in a few days, and the Canceaux that ar- 
rived here but yesterday which I intend to send express 
to Quebec in a few days with the General's and my Dis- 
patches, I will however as soon as it is possible Comply 
with their Lordships requisition on this head. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M: Shuldham. 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

C256] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour 8th. June 1776. 
Sir 

By a Letter from Captain Banks of the Renown of 
the 24th. past* he informs me that a few days before, 
he had sent his Boats with those of the Experiment 
Manned and Armed to destroy a small Rebel Privateer 
which had run ashore in one of the Channels leading to 
Boston; That in this attempt his First Lieutenant Mr. 
Harris was killed, and Seven more Men of the party 
were either killed or Drowned by the Barge oversetting 
at the instant she had got alongside the Vessel, upon 
which the other Boats were obliged to retire, and by the 
account of a Deserter who arrived at Nantasket, the 
Captain and several of the Men belonging to the Pri- 
B^^vateer were killed in this Action, but I am sorry to in- 
form you that we find she had a few days before taken 
the Hope Ordnance Vessel mentioned in my former 
Letter. I cannot upon this occasion omit repeating my 
earnest request, that Stores of such great importance, 
and upon which so much depends, may be sent out in 
Ships of some considerable Force, and under the Com- 
mand of a King's Officer. For as, the generality of the 
Masters of Merchant Ships and persons of little prop- 
erty or consideration and easily to be Bribed, their 
Treachery must be productive of the most fatal conse- 
quences which there is great reason to suspect was the 
cause of this valuable Ship the Hope being taken. 

The Bowman Transport, one of the Flora's Convoy 
* Suppose May 1776 
[2573 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

arrived here last night by which Ship I have informa- 
tion, that a few days after their departure from the 
River Clyde, they met with a Gale of Wind which oc- 
casioned a seperation of the Fleet. On approaching 
this Coast the Bowman at different times, fell in with 
several others of their Convoy, which parted Company 
at the time she did, until Seven of them were collected 
together, and upon St. George's Bank they spoke the 
Merlin Sloop, by which Ship they were informed of the 
Evacuation of Boston, and had directions to proceed to 
this place and there are now four of them oflf the Har- 
bour. I have adopted proper measures for these Ships 
being intercepted as they come upon this Coast, that in- 
stead of going to Boston they may be conducted to the 
place where the Army may be. 

I am 
Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Halifax \ Vice Adml. Shuldham | Rd. by 
Cap. Duddingston I 5 July 1776. 



1:258] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, In Halifax Harbour, 
June 8th. 1776. 
Sir, 

I herewith Inclose you a Copy of a letter I received 
from General Howe representing that, as the Trans- 
port Department which was already very extensive, 
would during the Course of the ensuing Campaign be 
greatly increased, it was his Opinion it would be for his 
Majesty's Service that an Officer of Superior Rank to a 
Lieutenant should have the direction of the Other 
Agents; and Applying at the same time that Lieutenant 
Bourmaster may be appointed a Master and Com- 
mander for that purpose. 

In order therefore to Contribute every thing in my 
Power to the Success of the Operations of the Cam- 
paign, I gave Lieutenant Bourmaster an Order to Com- 
mand the Albany for a few days to give him Rank, and 
fhope their Lordships will be pleased to Confirm him a 
Master and Commander in Consequence of the Gen- 
erals request and my opinion of the propriety of the 
Measure. 

I am 
Sir, 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M: SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

C2593 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Endorsed Halifax | 8 June 1776 | V. Adm. Shuldham 
2 Inclo 

Ansd. 23. July, by the Perseus ^ 

Minute 11 July | 
fto be confirmed | when sent hither | for that purpose 



1:2603 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A 

[ GENERAL HOWE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

Copy Plalifax 25th. May 1776. 

Sir, 

From the present very extensive Business in the 
Transport Department, and the certainty of a large 
encrease of Shipping in the course of this Campaign, I 
humbly apprehend His Majesty's Service in that Line 
does require an Officer of Superior Rank, to have the 
Command and direction of the other Agents: I am 
therefore induced to make application to you, to ap- 
point Lieutenant Bourmaster to be Master and Com- 
mander in the Navy, being at the same time hopeful, 
this is not an improper request, and that you will be- 
lieve my Intentions are to Submit the Propriety of the 
Measure entirely to your better Judgment: Neither 
should I recommend Lieutenant Bourmaster were he 
not an old Officer, in addition to his laborious good Ser- 
vices during his employment in this Department, which 
done, will, I am confident entitle him to your favor. I 
have the Honor to be, Sir, 

Your most Obedient Servant 
Signed— W HoWE 
Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. 
Vice Admiral of the Blue &ca. &ca. 



1:260 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure B 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO GENERAL HOWE ] 

(Copy) 

Chatham, Halifax Harbour, 25th May 1776. 
Sir, 

I have the honor of your Letter of this date and shall 
always find the Utmost Satisfaction in Complying with 
any of your requests either of a Publick or Private Na- 
ture, but particularly when they happen to be made in 
favor of an Officer of Lieutenant Bourmaster's Merit 
and Abilities, and tho' I do not recollect any Precedent 
for Such a Measure, yet that Nothing may be Wanting 
on my part which you think. Sir, will contribute to the 
Success of Our Operations in the approaching Cam- 
paign; I shall Venture to take upon me to appoint 
Lieutenant Bourmaster, Master and Commander for a 
few days of a Vessel I intend to Purchase for the King, 
which appointment in justice to that Officers Preten- 
tions and Services as well as your recommendation, I 
heartily wish my Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
miralty will be pleased to Confirm— I have the Honor 
to be with great regard and Esteem. 

Sir, 

Your most Obedient 
and Most Hble Servant 
M. SHULDHAM 
Honble General Howe 



C262] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham, ofif Staten Island near 
New York, the 6th. July 1776. 
Sir, 
/ I herewith transmit you the Disposition of His Maj- 
esty's Squadron under my Command, also the State and 
/Condition of those Ships from which I have been Able 
to Collect them. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedient Servant 
M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed 6 July 1776 | Staten Island | Vice Adml. 

Lord I Shuldham 

R 10 Aug 1776 I Answd. 6 Septr. 



l26n 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A | 

Disposition of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America 



Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 


4th 


Chatham I 
Centurion 


V. A. Shuldham 
Captain John Raynor 

Rd. Brathwaite 


5 


Phoenix 


Hyde Parker 


3 


Asia 


Geo. Vandeput 


6 


Rose 


James Wallace 


(( 


Greyhound 


Archd. Dickson 


Storeship 


Adventure 


Lieutt. John Hallum 


Sloop 


Senegal 


Captain Rogr. Curtis 


Schooner 


Tryal 


Lieutt. John Brown 


Sloop 


Swan 


Captn. Jas. Ayscough 


5th 


Orpheus 




Chas. Hudson 




Roebuck 




' A. S. Hamond 


6th 


Fowey 




' Geo. Montagu 


Sloop 


Kings fisher 




' Alexr. Graeme 


(( 


Otter 




' Matw. Squire 


6 


Sphinx 




' Anty. Hunt 


(( 


Syren 




' Tobias Ferneaux 


Sloop 


Falcon 




' Jno. Linzee 


<( 


Cruizer 




' Fras. Parry 


(( 


Scorpion 




' Honble Jno. Tollemache 


Schooner 


St. Lawrence 


Lieutt. Jno. Graves 


4 


Bristol 


Commodore Sr. Petr. Parker 
Captain John Morris 


(( 


Experiment 


" Alexr. Scott 


Sloop 


Raven 


" John Stanhope 


Armed Ship 


Cherokee 


Lieutt. John Ferguson 


Schooner 


St. John 


" Wm. Grant 


(( 


Hinchenbrook 




" Alexr. Ellis 



C2643 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



mder the Command of Vice Admiral Shuldham. 



Disposition 



Moor'd off the Watering Place on Staten Island, 
New York bearing N N E >^ Et., distance 4 Miles. 



n the Creek between the S W part of Staten Island and the town of Amboy to Cut off 

le communication with New Jersey. 

n the Creek off the N. W. part of Staten Island. 

Lt Sandy Hook. 

'ruizing between the West end of Long Island & Cape Henlopen. 

it Virginia. 

Supposed to be At, or Cruizing off the Delaware. 



At Cape Fear. 



At Charles Town South Carolina. 
■ At Savannah in the Province of Georgia. 
I- At Saint Augustine. 

1:265: 



Rate 


Ships 


Commanders 


6 


Lively 


Captn. Thos. Bishop 


Sloop 


Nautilus 


" Jno. Collins 


6 


Liverpool 


" Hy. Bellew 


a 


Cerberus 


" Jno. Symons 


Sloop 


Merlin 


" W. C. Burnaby 


4th 


Renown 


" Fras. Banks 


6 


Milford 


" Jno. Burr 


Sloop 


Hope 


" Geo. Dawson 


Brig 


Halifax 


Lieut. Wm. Quarme 


6th 


Scarborough 


Captn. Andw, Barkley 


Sloop 


Viper 


" Saml. Graves 


(( 


Tamer 


Chrr. Mason 


Schooner 


Dispatch 


Lieut. John Goodridge 


5th 


Niger 


Captn. Geo. Talbot 


Sloop 


Savage 


Hu. Bromedge 


(( 


Albany 


" Heny. Mowat 


Armed Ship 


Canceaux 


Lieut. John Schank 


6 


Mercury 


Captain Jas. Montagu 


Brig 


Diligent 


Lieutt. Edmd. Dod 


4 


Isis 


Captain Chas. Douglas 


6 


Lizard 


" Jno. Hamilton 


ii 


Triton 


Skiffn. Lutwidge 


Sloop 


Hunter 


Thos. McKinzie 


Armed Ships | 


Lord Howe 
Bute 


" Jno. Pringle 
" Anty. Parry 


Schooner 


Magdalen 


Lieutt. Josh. Nunn 


Brig 


Gaspee 


" Geo. Wilson 



n266: 



Disposition 

3rdered to Saint Augustine with Cash & Necessaries for HiS Majs. Forces, 
sent to Bermuda for the protection of the King's Ordnance Stores. 

■Cruizing between Martha's Vineyard and the East end of Long Island. 

J 

1- Cruizing in Boston Bay. 



I In the Bay of Fundy, to prevent any Hostitle Attempts on the Province of Nova 
!■ Scotia, the latter Ordered to Convoy Transports with Hay &ca. to Halifax, and from 
thence to Sandy Hook. 

J 

Cruizing between Cape Samborough & the Isle of Sable. 

At Halifax. Ordered to Convoy the Transports with the Light Horse to Sandy Hook. 

" Ordered to protect the Colliery at Spanish River in the Island Cape 

Breton. 

Fitting. 

Ordered to Quebec with General Howe's & my Dispatches. 

Sailed for Halifax with Dispatches to Me from Sir Petr. Parker Supposing to find Me 
at that place. 

At the Island of Saint Johns. 

1 



Supposed to be sailed for England. 
In the River Saint Lawrence. 



Chatham off Staten Island near New York the 
6th July 1776. M: Shuldham 

[267: 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham off Staten Island near 
New York the 6th. July 1776. 
Sir, 

I acquainted you in my Letter of the 9th. of June, 
that I had Appointed Mr. Evan Nepean Purser of the 
Falcon, and my Secretary, Purser of the Roebuck, in 
the room of Mr. James Mason, whose Death was re- 
ported to me by Captain Linzee of the Falcon, but as 
that Information is since found to be groundless, I have 
withdrawn the Warrants I had Signed on that occasion. 
Captain Bellew of His Majesty's Ship Liverpool 
having acquainted me in his Letter of the loth. past, (a 
/Copy of which I inclose for their Lordships informa- 
tion) that Mr. Richard Boger his Second Lieutenant is 
taken Prisoner by the Rebels I have Appointed Mr. 
Richard Hinckley Midshipman on board His Majesty's 
Ship Chatham Second Lieutenant of His Majesty's 
Ship Liverpool in his room, which Appointment I hope 
their Lordships will be pleased to confirm, by sending 
out a Commission for him. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Staten Island | Vice Admiral | Lord Shuld- 
ham I R 10 Augt. 1776 | (i Inclosure) 

Reed. 10 Augt. 1776 I Answd. 6. Septr. 

C2683 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Enclosure A 

[ CAPTAIN BELLEW TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) 

Liverpool, Hoar Hill road, loth. June 1776. 
Sir! . 

Captain Graeme of the Kingsfisher having joined me 
at this place the 7 inst. and taken a Brig from Cape 
Francois laden with Melasses bound to this Port, I have 
Approved of his sending her to Halifax, more from 
thinking it Necessary you should be acquainted Sir with 
the Situation of His Majesty's Ships here, than the 
Value of the Seizure, which is by no Means equal to the 
loosing five Men for an uncertain time. I arrived here 
the 2d. May from Virginia in Consequence of an Order 
from Captain Hamond on the 6th. we went up the 
Delaware to Water as far as a few Miles above New 
Castle, where we was Attacked two different days, by 
fourteen Row Gallies carrying each One large Cannon, 
either an Eighteen, Twenty four, or Thirty two 
pounder, the River being very Wide and the Channel 
very Narrow they took Care to keep at that distance 
which made our fire very Uncertain, at no time So near 
as a Mile, in general much more, we fired away an im- 
mense quantity of Powder and Ball, to no other pur- 
pose than killing about thirteen Men, and disabling 
three of their Gallies, the Roebuck had One Man 
killed, one Shot through my Bowsprit and both our 
Sails and rigging much torn. Captain Hamond left this 
place the i6th. May to go to Virginia, since which time 

C269] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

I have heard nothing from him, his Orders to Me were 
to join him in Hampton road when in want of Pro- 
visions or Water; although I have a good quantity of 
the latter On board, yet, owing to the putrified State of 
it, which I fear Causes the Unhappy Sickness among 
my people I shall be under the Necessity of repairing 
Soon to Some place to procure What is better. I pro- 
pose to try the probability of getting it at New York, 
rather than at Virginia, for this reason. Captain Graeme 
who run thither on missing Me here, being then Cruiz- 
ing ofif, neither Saw or Could learn any thing of any 
Ship Whatever; I cannot Account for the removal of so 
large a Number of Vessels as were at Norfolk, only 
their being gone up Some of the Fresh Water Rivers.— 

You will pardon me Sir, for observing that tho' not 
less than Five or Six Ships is equal to a total intercep- 
tion of the Trade of this river yet the Necessary Ar- 
ticles of their Support Such as Salt, Rum, Melasses 
and All kinds of Cloathing is advanced in its Price 
at least three hundred ^ Cent, some Articles Much 
More. 

I have only taken a small Vessel laden with Linnen, 
and Twelve thousand Dollars out of a Spanish Snow 
which I sent to Norfolk and by the Mark on it, I have 
all reason to believe, to be the property of Willen and 
Morris^ at Philadelphia two most Notorious Rebels. 
There has been some time past laying in Cape Mary 
road a large Ship Privateer of Eighteen Eighteen 
pounders, a Brig of Sixteen Sixes and Fours, and a 
Sloop of Ten Six pounders; they have given Me but 
One Opportunity of Seeing them at Sea when they drew 
me upon the Over falls, but having a Good Pilot, I 

1 Robert Morris. 
[270] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

escaped touching the Ground, and they got into the 
road again, where is not more than fifteen feet Water. 

I am informed by very good Authority they will have 
in less than a Month four Ships of thirty Guns each, at 
Philadelphia, fit for Sea.— 

I believe Captain Hamond informed you of my very 
great misfortune in having been taken by the Rebel 
Privateer, now in my Sight, my Tender, with a Lieuten- 
ant & Twenty Nine Men. — 

If Sir I should not meet with any Supplies of Pro- 
visions and Water Soon, or this Rage of Sickness among 
my people Continues under these Circumstances, I hope 
you will think me blameless in repairing to Halifax, 
tho' both my Main and Fore Masts are bad, nothing but 
the loss of One of them Can make me leave this Station. 
I am well informed that these three lower Counties are 
ripe for Arms, had they the least Support, Several have 
been ofTf to me for protection in Case of Need, and de- 
clare the Tyranny of their present rulers to be insup- 
portable. 

Inclosed is the State and Condition of His Majesty's 
Ship under my Command and of His Majestys Sloop 
Kingsfisher. 

I have the Honor to be | Sir, 

Your most Obedt. and 
Very Hble Servant 
Heny. Bellew 
Molyneux Shuldham Esqr. 

Endorsed Copy of Captain | Bellew's Letter | to V. A. 
Shuldham | dated lo June 1776 \ In V. A. Ld. Shuld- 
hams I Lre dated | Staten Island. 

1:270 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham off Staten Island near 
New York the 8th. July 1776. 
Sir, 

I am to acquaint you of my Arrival at this place with 
His Majesty's Ships under my Command and the whole 
Fleet of Transports, Victuallers, and Storeships, under 
their Convoy, fortunately without any loss or separation 
the 3rd. Instant, and that His Majesty's Troops under 
the command of General Howe were landed on that 
and the next day on Staten Island without any Opposi- 
tion or interruption, the Inhabitants having immedi- 
ately on our landing surrendered and put themselves 
under the protection of His Majesty's Arms, Two hun- 
dred of them are Embodied and the whole Island have 
taken the Oath of Allegiance and fidelity to the King, 
and I have the pleasure to acquaint you that a party of 
Sixty Men with their Arms made their Escape from the 
Province of New Jersey a few days ago and joined the 
King's Troops. 

General Howe having Yesterday represented to me 
that it will be attended with many salutary consequences 
of Two of His Majesty's Ships were Stationed up the 
North or Hudson's River to cut off and intercept any 
Supplies coming to New York to give Protection to His 
Majesty's well disposed Subjects, and answer many 
other good purposes, I have given Orders to Captain 
Parker of the Phoenix (taking the Rose under his Com- 
mand) to proceed the first favourable Opportunity 
upon this Service, tho' from the number of Batteries 

1:2723 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

they will have to pass, it will be an Arduous and im- 
portant undertaking but I hope will be attended with 
the wish'd for success. Their Lordships will please to 
observe there will then remain with me for our future 
operations only the Chatham, Asia, Centurion, and 
Greyhound Frigate, which I hope will be sufficient, as 
it appears to me the General does not think himself suf- 
ficiently strong to proceed further 'till the Arrival of 
the Reinforcement under Lord Howe, and Commodore 
Hotham, which my Cruizers are Stationed ofif Rhode 
Island and other places to intercept and direct hither. 

I am sorry to find myself under the necessity of send- 
ing you the disagreable Intelligence I received from 
Captain Symons of His Majesty's Ship Cerberus whom 
I joined in my passage to this place, that Four Trans- 
ports, part of the Flora's Convoy (two of them the 
Crawford and Oxford) had been taken in their passage 
by the Rebels, one of which was retaken by Captain 
Symons, but after the Troops had been removed out of 
her into one of the others; and in this Ship he found a 
Journal of the Prize Master, who was a Lieutenant^ of 
one of the Rebel Vessels^ which attack'd the Glasgow, 
and as an Account of that Action is mentioned in it, in 
/justice to Captain Howe I transmit it to you for their 
Lordships and Your information. 

His Majesty's Ship Mercury with Dispatches for 
General Howe and me from General Clinton and Sir 
Peter Parker arrived at Sandy Hook the ist. of June, 
and not finding me there was Ordered to Halifax which 
has prevented my receiving them, and of consequence 
sending you a particular Account of Sir Peter's pro- 
ceedings to the Southward, but by the information of 
1 James Joslah. 2 Xhe Andrew Doria. 

[273] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Captain Parker of the Phoenix, Captain Montagu in the 
Mercury left the Bristol the 21st. of May at Cape Fear 
and was then preparing to proceed to Charles Town, 
South Carolina. 

The Light Horse not being ready to embark on our 
leaving Halifax, for want of Forage, and the Tamer 
being hourly expected from the Bay of Fundy, having 
under her Convoy a number of small Vessels with that 
Article, I have directed Captain Talbot of the Niger to 
continue at Halifax, and with the Tamer (when the 
Transports are ready) to Convoy them to Sandy Hook 
at which place I daily expect their Arrival. 

The Savage which I left refitting as soon as she is 
ready I have Ordered as a Convoy and protection for 
the Collery to be carried on at Spanish River in the 
Island of Cape Breton, for the Supply of His Majesty's 
Troops and the Inhabitants of Halifax, conformable to 
a Scheme of General Howe's. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedient Servant, 
M: Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 10 Aug 1776 | Answd. 6. Septr. 



1:2743 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure A 

A Journal of a Cruse In the Brig Andrew Doria 
Nicholas Biddle Esqr. Commander from ye. Port 
of Philadelphia, Begun January 4th. 1776— 



Thursday- 
January 4th. 



Friday 
January 17 th, 



Sunday 
Feby. nth. 



Sunday 
Feby. i8th. 



At 2 P. M. Cast off from ye. Warf In Company Math ye. Comodore 
Ship Alfred, Columbus & Cabot, Light airs from ye. Westward & much 
Ice in ye. River, At 6 Do. Came to at ye. Pierse at Liberty Hand, & was 
there Detain'd by ye. Ice till the 17th. 



At 9 A M Cast off from ye. Pierse, with a fresh Breeze at N W. & 
Run Down to Reedy Hand, there Being much Ice In ye. River was 
Oblige to haul In to the Pierse and was there Detain'd by the Ice till ye. 
nth. of February Employ'd her Wooding & Wartering the Sloop Provi- 
dence & Fly Join'd ye. Fly since we left Philadelphia & gott 40 Men for 
ye. Fleet from Rhode Hand in ye. Fly — 



At 10 A M Cast off from ye. Pierse in Company with all ye. Fleet, and 
on Tuesday ye. 13th. was Join'd, by ye. Sloop Hornet Schooner Wasp, 
Arm'd Vessels from Baltimore, Within Cape Henlopen, where all ye. 
Fleet Anchor'd in Holekill road where we lay till ye. i8th.— 



At I P. M. Weigh'd & put to sea in Company with all ye. Fleet, having 
on board One Hundred & four Officers & Men. On Monday Feby 19th. 
Hard gales & thick Weather, Lost sight of ye. Sloop Hornet & Fly, in the 
Night, Nothing remarkable Hapen'd us till we made ye. Hand of Abbacco 
one of ye. Bahama Hands where we Came too at ye. S West Side In 12 
fathoms Water on Friday March ist. having seen nothing of 5^e. Hornet 
nor Fly since we parted with them, Employ'd here puting Our Marines 
On bd. ye. Sloop Providence, Likewise all ye. Marines belonging to the 
Fleet on board two small Sloops, the Comodore had taken for to Cary 
them to The Hand of Providence, On Sunday 3rd. W & put to Sea with 
ye. Fleet, Steering SBE^E&SSE54 then made ye. Hand of Provi- 
dence Bearing S S E 3 Leagues Where we lay off and on Waiting for ye. 
rest of ye. Fleet at 10 AM Came too Under Roze Hand, with ye. rest of ye. 

[275:1 



A Journal of a Cruse In ye. Brig Andrew 



Fleet in 4 fathom Water, The Comodore sent ye. Sloop Providence, Schooner 
Wasp & two Sloops with all the Marines, amounting to two Hundred and fifty 
under ye. Command of Capt. Nichols ; and at 3 in the afternoon they gott posses- 
sion of ye. Eastermost Fort, Without Loosing a Man, the Inhabitance having 
Desarted it, after firing 15 on 20 Cannon at them Early the next morning they 
march'd in to Providence and took possession of fort Nausaw without any oppo- 
sion, a schooner and Sloop having gone off the night Before with most of ye. 
Powder, Our people found in ye. fort. Large Quantitys of Sheel & Shott, Sixteen 
Mortars of Different Sizes; 20 Cask of Powder & some Provisions fifty two 
Cannon Eighteens Twenty fore & Thirty two pounders Loaded with Round 
Shott Double headed & Grape & several other Articles, belonging to ye. Garrison, 
At 6. In ye. Morning March ye. 6th. Weigh'd from Roze Hand with the re- 
mainder of ye. Fleet & run down to ye. Barr where we gott a Barr Pilot from 
Providence, & gott safe into ye. Harbour and came too of Fort Nausaw in Three 
fathom Water, Employ'd here getting the Guns out of ye. Fort & all ye. Warlike 
Stores Belonging to it, on board ye. Fleet, & putting our Ballace on, shore, re- 
ceiv'd on Board 4780 Shott and Sheels of Different Sizes for Ballis, The Como- 
dore took a large Sloop in ye. Service to Carry, Some of ye. Cannon ; On March 
iith. was Join'd by the Sloop Fly which was supparated from us On ye. 19th. of 
February who gave us Account of ye. Sloop Hornet Carreing away her mast head 
two Daj's after they parted from ye. Fleet, and suppos'd bore away for some 
part of ye. Continent : While we lay here our people takeing very Sickly with the 
fever, altho as much Care as possible was taking to pervent it, On Saturday 
March 16 having Gott all the stores & Cannon out of the fort, Embark out 
Marines and receiv'd orders for Getting under Way ; 



1:276: 



Doria Nicholas Biddle Esqr. Commander 



H 


K 

4 
5 
4 
4 
4 
2 
2 
2 


HC 


Courses 


Winds 


Remark's On Sunday March 17th 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 
12 


M 


N E 

NEBN 
N East 

NE BE 

lies ^ Log 


ESE 

EBS 

ESE 

SEB E 

g 


Moderate Breezes & Clear Weather at 
4 P. M. Weigh'd and putt to sea with all 
the Fleet 

Cloudy Weather 

At 6 A M, Saw ye. Hand of Abacco Bearing N W B W 7 
or 8 Leagues, from Which I take my Departure, In Latt. 
26.. 15 .. 77.. 20 — Spoke ye. Brig Cabot & gott a Bell out 
of her and sent news on board ye Schooner Wasp. 

All ye Fleet in Sight under Single reefs topsail 




62 


Latt. Observ'd. 26 .. 12 
Longitude In 76 .. 49 


Course 


D 
28 


N 


S 
2 


E 
28 


W 


Latt f>, Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude 


made 


S 86E 


26.. 13 


00 ..3 I 


28 


00 ..28 


— 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 

6 
8 

lO 
12 


3 

4 
3 
4 
4 
3 
4 
4 
3 
3 
3 
3 


I 

I 
I 

I 
I 

87 


NEB E 

E N E 
Miles f 


S EB E 

SE 
Logg 


Monday i8th Moderate Breezes & 
Clear Weather Sett T G Sails & staysails 
In T G Sails & Staysails 

Clear pleasent Weather 

Between 30 & 40 of our people Bad of a fever, 
& Doctor & mate very 111 

All ye Fleet in Sight 






Latt. ^r, Obsern. 26 .. 42 
Longitude In 75 .. 43 


Course 


D 


N 
31 


S 


E 
59 


w 


Latt ^ Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude made 


N 62E 


67 


26 ..43 


66 


87 


1-34 — 



1:277] 



A Journal of a Cruse, 



H 


K 

4 
4 
3 
2 

3 
4 
4 
3 
3 
4 
6 

5 
94 


I 

I 
I 
I 

Mi 


Courses 


Winds 


Remark's on Wednesday March 20th 


2 
4 

6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 
12 


N East 

NE BE 

N East 

les f L 


South 

s s w 

ogg 


Moderate Breezes & Pleasant Weather 

Shorted sail for ye. Fleet 
Heazy Weather 

Made sail, sett T G Sails & royals 

Clear Pleasent Weather 
All ye. Fleet in sight 

Latt Observd. 27 .. 55 
Longitude In 73 .. 41 


Course 


D 
80 


N 
45 


S 


E 
65 


w 


Latt f^ 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude made 


N55E 


27 "57 


73 


196 


3 .. 36 


2 

4 
6 
8 

10 

12 

2 

4 
6 
8 

10 
12 


4 
2 

5 
4 
5 
5 
6 

5 
6 

5 
3 
I 

107 


I 

I 
I 

I 
I 

Mi 


N East 

N 
N N E 

North 

les f r. L 


s s w 

N W 
W N W 

Variable 
ogg 


Thursday 21 Moderate Breezes 
& Clear Weather 

Shorted sail, for ye. Fleet 

Much Lightning to ye. N West 

Fresh Breezes & Squally Close reef 'd ye. Topsail 
& Handed them, & sett Main sail 
Heavy rain Down T G Yards 
Our People Still continue Sickly 

No. Observation 
Longitude In 72 .. 15 


Course 


D 


N 
75 


s 


E 

75 


w 


Latt fl, 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude made 


N45E 


107 


29 .. 10 


I .. 26 


271 


5-2 



1:2783 



In ye. Brig Andrew Doria 


1776- 








H 


K 

I 
3 
4 
4 
4 
4 
3 


I 
I 


Courses 


Winds 


Remark's, on Friday, March 22d 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 


NEBE 

N E 


S West 


Light Breezes & thick Close Weather 
Sett Topsails & Main sail 


I 
I 


E N E 
E BS 


North 

NEBN 


Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather 


4 

6 
8 

lO 


4 
2 
2 
4 

5 


I 
I 


E S E 
NWB N 

N NW 


N East 

NEBN 
N East 


Tack'd to ye. Northd. 
Sett Jibb & Staysails 

Moderate & Cloudy 


12 


5 


I 


- 


- 






97 


Mi 


les ^r. L 


ogg 


Latt Observ'd 29. .52 
Longitude In 71.. 49 


Course 


D 


N 
40 


S 


E 
23 


w 


Lattfl, 
Acot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


N30E 


47 


•• 


29.. 50 


00.. 26 


294 


5 .. 28 


2 
4 

6 
8 

10 
12 


3 
3 
2 
2 
2 
2 


I 


ENE 
NEBE 


SS E 
South 


Tuesday March 19th. Through a Mistake 
omited in its place 

Light Breezes & pleasent Weather 

At 2 P M. The Commodore Barge came on 

Board & Deliver'd ye. Capt a Letter 


2 


2 






- 




4 
6 
8 

10 
12 


2 
2 
2 
2 
2 




ENE 

N E 


- - - 


Employ'd Exerciseing ye. Guns & Clearing Ship 




53 




Miles ^ 


Logg 


Latt ^r. Obsern. 27. . 12 
Longitude In 74. .54 


Course 


D 


N 
28 


S 


E 

44 


w 


Lattf, 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer.Dist. 


Longitude made 


N 58E 


52 


•• 


27 .. 10 


00 .. 49 


131 


2 .. 23 



1:2793 



A Journal of a Cruse In 



H 


K 

4 
3 
2 

4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
2 
2 
2 
3 

79 


HC 

I 

I 

I 

M 


Courses 


Winds 


Remarks; On Saturday Mar 23 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 

6 
8 

lO 
12 


N BE 

North 

NBE 

N N E 
N B W 

iles B Log 


EBS 

South 

s w 

N B S 
g 


Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather with 
much Lightning to ye. Westward 

Fresh gales with Heavy rain, Hd. ye. Topsails & 
foresail 

Sett M Staysail 

Sett F Staysail & foresail 

Hard gales, & Cloudy Weather, all ye. Fleet in 

Sight 

Latt Observd. 31. .17 
Longitude In 71.. 49 


Course 


D 


N 


S 


E 


W 


Latt. f, 
Acot. 


X Longt. 


Mar. Dist. 


Longt. made 


North 


85 


85 


•• 


31 •• 17 




294 


5 .. 28 - 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 

6 
8 

lO 
12 


4 
4 

3 
4 
2 
2 

2 
3 

3 
3 


I 
up 

I 

up 

I 

I 
I 


N B W 

North 

NWBWof 

N B W 

N N E 
N N E 

NBE 

65 Miles 


WB S 

N N W 
West 

of N E 

N W 

NWBW 

Br. Logg 


Sunday 24 Fresh gales with a Heavy sea from 
ye. Westward, ship'd much Water upon Deck — 

At 6 P M, Hd. foresail & hove to for ye. Fleet 
under M staysail, at 8 Do. Sett Forestaysail 

Heavy Squalls of Wind & rain, Down Fore & M 
Staj^sail & Hove too under Poles, at 4 Do. Sett 
F Staysail Fore & M Topsail & Main Sail, Lost 
sight of ye. Schooner Wasp 
Fresh gales & a heavy sea Hd. Main top sail 
Our people very sickly 

Latt Observd. 32. .20 
Longitude I 71.. 14 


Course 


Dist. 


N 
63 


S 


E 
30 


w 


Latt. f, 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


N26E 


70 


32 .. 20 


00 .. 35 


324 


6 .. 03 



1:280] 



the 


Brig 


[Andrew Doria- 










H 


K 


ns: 

I 

up 

I 


Courses 


Winds 


Remarks On Monday March 25 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 

6 
8 

lO 
12 


4 
4 
2 

2 
2 
3 
3 
3 
3 
4 
2 

71 


N B E 

N N East 
N BE 

N N E 


WNW 

N East 
WNW 

N W 


Fresh gales & Clear Weather, At 4 P M Hd. 
Fore topsail — 

Hove too under ye. Foresail — 
Sett Fore stay & Balance M Sail- 
Fresh Breezes & Cloudy with a heavy sea from 
ye. N West 

Saw a sail to Windward, a signal was made for 
us to Chase, Tack'd to ye. South & made sail 
Tack'd to ye. North ye. Chase Bearing North 

Latt Observd. 33. .12 
Longitude In 70.. 30 




. _ 


- - 


Mi 


SWBW 

les f Lo 


Tack'd 
N WB N 

gg 


Course 


D 


X Latt 


Departure 


Latt ^ 
Act. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


N35E 


64 


52 


37 


33- 12 


44 


361 


6 .. 47 — 


2 
4 

6 
8 


4 
2 
I 
6 

7 
6 

7 
6 

4 
4 


I 
I 


NEBN 

N N E 
NBW..W 


NWB N 

N W 
WB S 


Tuesday 26th. Moderate Breezes & Cloudy 
Weather, At 2 P. M, The Sloop Providence, 
Brought ye. Chase too, A Schooner from Cari- 
lona, Bound to France, Handed ye. Topsails & 
Mainsail, Blowing Hard with a Cross sea. 

Handed Foresail & sett M Staysail 

M Staysail with ye. rest of ye. Fleet in sight 
Blowing Hard & Close Weather — 

Latt Observd. 34. .44 
Longitude In 70. .47 


12 
2 

4 

6 

8 

10 

12 


I 
I 

I 

I 

up 
100 


N NW 

Hove too 
NWoff 

Miles f 


S W 

under 

N NW 

Logg 


Course 


D 


XLatt 


Dept 


Latt f>, 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


N8 W 


97 


96 


14 


34 ■• 48 


00.. 17 


34. 7 


6 .. 30 



1:281: 













N 


A Journal of a Cruse In ye. 


H 


K 

2 

4 

2 
2 
2 
3 
3 
2 

3 
3 

I 

7 

75 


I 
I 


Courses 


Winds 


Remark's Wednesday March 27th 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 


N BE 

North 


s w 


Hard gales-& thick Weather with a heavy Sea, 
Ship'd much Water upon deck Pumping every 
y2 hour 

Sett Fore & Main Sail 

Tack to ye. Westward & sett F Topsail & M. 

Topsail 


I 
I 

I 


N B E 

N N E 

N E 

N WBN 


West 
N W 

N N W 
N EB N 


4 
6 
8 

lO 
12 


I 


N N W 


NE 


Saw a Sail to Win<^^'^rd 

Gave Chase in Company with ye. Fly find a Cur- 
rent to the Southd. ^ 
Tack'd to ye. Eastward 

Our People Still Continue very Sickly with ye. 
Fever ' ^ Latt Observ'd 35-. 00 
Longitude In 70. .38 


1 

M 


ESt 
iles ^ L6g 


g 


Course 


D 


X Latt. 


Dept. 


Latt. f^ 
Acct. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


N 25 E 


i8 


l6 


7 


35 •• 00 


9 


354 


6 .. 39 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 
12 


6 
4 

2 
2 

3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 

2 

77 


I 
I 

I 
M 

D 


E SE 

W N W 

NWBW 

WN W 

NWBW 

iles ^ Log 


N E 
North 

N B E 

g 


Tack'd 

Thursday 28th., Moderate Breezes & Cloudy 
Weather At 2 P M Brought ye. Chase too after 
firing two Guns, she Prov'd to be a French 
Schooner, from New London bound to Cape 
Franchway out 6 Daj^s who gave an account of 
ye. Provincials Troops, taken Boston 

At 3 A M, Joseph Pope, Departed this Life who 

came out of ye. Comodore 

Blow'd all ye. Guns off ye. Carterages having 

gott Whet 

Moderate & Clear find a strong Current to ye. 

South 

Latt Observd. 35 . . 8 N 
Longitude In 71 . . 44 W 


Course 


X Latt. 


Dept. 


Latt. f, 
Acct. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude made 


N82 W 


85 


7 


54 


35 .. 07 


66 


300 


5 .. 33 



[282] 



rigg Andrew Doria 1776 — 



i 


K 

2 
2 
I 

I 
2 

2 
4 

34 


Hv 

I 
I 

I 

I 

I 
I 

Mi 


Courses 


Winds . 


Remark's, On Friday March 29th 


2 

4 
6 
8 

2 
2 

4 
6 
8 

2 


N W 

North 
les ^ Lo 


N NE 

Calm 
South 

s s w ' 
gg 


Light Breezes & Cloudy Weather — 
Sent a Tierce of Rum on board ye. Colunlbus 

Clear pleasent Weather 

-/ 

Out all reefs & sent T G Yards up — 
Hoisted ye. Haul, out and ye. Capt went on 
board ye. Columbus — 
Moderate & Heazy 

Latt Observd. 35. .30 
Longitude In 72. . 


Course 


D 


XLatt 


Dept. 


Latt fl, 
Acct. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


[ 27 w 


29 


25 


13 


35^ •• 33 


16 


287 


5 •• 17 — 


2 

4 
6 
8 

2 
2 

4 
6 
8 

2 


5 
2 

4 
3 

4 
4 

5 
5 
5 
2 

85 


I 

I 

I 
I 
I 

I 

I 

up 

Mi 


North 

E N E 

les f L 


s s w 

S SE 

S East 

offNEBN 
ogg 


Saturday 30th. 
Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather At 3 P M 
ye. Capt Came on board, hoisted ye. Yaul in, . . 

Double reefd ye. Topsail — 
Squally with heavy Rain — 
Close reefd Topsails — 
Hd. Main Topsail & foresail 

Hd. T Topsail & Balance ye. M Sail & hove too. 
Lost sight of ye. Providence Sloop 
Blowing hard with a Cross sea 

No. Observation 
Longitude In 72.. 00 


bourse 


D 


XLatt 


Dept. 


Latt fl, 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude made 


North 


82 


82 


. . — 


36 .. 32 


00 — 


289. . 


5 .. 17 



C2833 



A Journal of a Cruse, In 



H 


K 


Hv 

up 


Courses 


Winds 


Remark's, on Sunday March 31st. 


2 
4 

6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 

6 
8 

lO 
12 


EBS 


offEBN 


Fresh Gales & Cloudy Weather with a cross 










sea .... 


- - 


up 


SEB S 


offEBN 


Thick rainy Weather 




























Sett fore & Main staysail 

Wore Ship & sett Fore & fore topsail 

Hd. Fore topsail 

Fresh gales & Heazy Weather 

No. Observation 
Longitude In 71 .. 57 


2 

4 
3 

19 


up 

I 


SWofE 
North 


S B W 

WN W 


M 

Dist. 


NB E 

lies ^r. Log 


NWBW 

g 


Course 


X Latt. 


Dept. 


Latt. f^ 
Accot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longt. made 


N ^ E 


19 


19 


2 


37 •• II 


3 


299 


5 .. 20 


2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 

12 

2 

4 
6 
8 

lO 
12 


- - 


up 


N B E off 


N EB N 


Monday April ist. 
Fresh Breezes & Close Weather 


2 
2 
I 
2 
2 
I 
I 

6 

6 


I 
I 


N BE 

N NE 


NWBW 
N West 








Brisling rain. 
Sett topsails 

Fresh Breezes & Drisling rain — 

Our people still Sickly the Doctor not able to 

tend them 

No. Observn, 
Longitude In 72. .7 


I 

I 

8o 


N East 
E N E 

N W 
Miles f L 


North 
Calm 

N N E 

ogg 


Course 


Dist. 
42 


X Latt. 


Dept. 


Latt. f, 
Accot. 


X Longitd. 


Mer. Dist. 


Longitude In 


N B W 


42 


8 


37 •• 53 


10 


293 


•• 



1:284] 



e. Brig Andrew Doria— 1776- 



H 


K 

6 

5 
4 


up 


Courses 


Winds 


Remark's On Tuesday April 2 


2 

4 
6 
8 

10 

12 

2 

4 
6 
8 

10 
12 


NWB N 

NNWof 


NEBN 

f NW 


Fresh Breezes & thick Weather In 2nd. Reef 
Topsails 

At 6 P M, Hd. Topsails & Hove to under Fore 
sail 




















4 
4 
6 
6 
4 


I 


N N W 
N NW 


N E 
N E 


Sett Topsail & M sail 

Sounded No Bottom 90 fathom line 

No. Observation 
Longitude In 72. .41 


Course 


D 


XLatt 


Dept. 


Latt fl, 
Acot. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 


. 


^ NW 


71 


66 


27 


38.-59 


34 


26.6 


— 


2 

4 
6 
8 

10 

12 

2 

4 

6 

8 

10 

12 


I 
2 
2 

3 
2 

3 
3 


I 

I 
I 

I 
I 

I 
I 
I 

I 
I 


North 
N B W 

N E 


ENE 
E S E 


Wednesday 3rd., Moderate & Heazy 

Sounded 50 fathom, Thick foggy Wr 
Died Thomas Vernon Turner, Sergeant of 
Marines 
33 fathom 

Thick & Rainy 

No. Observation 
Longitude In 72 .. 44 W 


c 


D 
40 


XLatt 


Dept. 


Latt f^ 
Acct. 


X Longt. 


Mer. Dist. 




^ X W 


48 


2 W 


39 .. 47 


3 


264 





1:2853 



A Journal of a Cruse In ye. Andrew Doria 



Week 
Days 


Month 
Days 


Winds 


Course 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longi- 
tude In 


Bearings 

& Distance 

at Noon 


Thursday 


April 
4 


Variable 


N EB N ^ 


N54 


40 ..26 


71 ..56 




Friday 


5 


Westerly 












Saturday 


6th 


W NW 








- 





n2863 



Remark's- 



Fresh Breezes & thick foggy Weather, At 8 P M, Sounded, 45 fathom Lost 
sight of ye. Fleet, At 5 P M, Saw a Sloop to Leward, Bore Down, to her, it 
prov'd to be ye. Gun Sloop Capt Hilman who parted, from us March 30th., At 
9 AM, made Long Hand Bear N N W, about 6 Leagues At Meridian made 
Montock Point Bearing N B W, and Block Island, E N E, 4 Leagues, the 
Sloop In Company — 



Fresh Breezes & Clear Weather, At 2 P M, Wore, Ship, and Stood off to 
Southd. At 3 Do. Came up with ye. Fleet, & Spoke ye. Comodore & Columbus, 
who, had taken, a Schooner, tender, belonging to Capt Wallace's Fleet, At 4 Do. 
Stood in to ye. Northd., we being order'd to look after ye. tenders, At 6 A M 
Spoke ye. Comodore who had Just, taken a brig tender belonging to Capt Wal- 
lises Fleet, Latter Part Moderate & Clear- 



Moderate Breezes & Clear Weather, At 5 P M, the Providence Join'd ye. 
fleet At 6 Do. Saw a Brig & Sloop, to ye. Northd, who, we gave chace too, The 
Columbus Brought the Brig & the Cabot, the Sloop both from New York, put 
Men on board, and Detain'd them, they being Bound to London, At I A M Saw 
two Sail, to ye. E S E, we made the Signal, for the Comodore to Bear, down 
with the rest of the Fleet, At 2 Do, the Cabot, came a long side of the Chace she 
prov'd to be the Glascow, Capt Howe, upon which ye. Cabot, gave her a Broad 
side, and she return'd two, fold, which oblig'd ye. Cabot, to sheer off and had 
like to have been foul of us, which oblig'd us to, tack, to get Clear, the Comodore 
came up next, and Discharg'd several Broad side and received as many which 
did Considerable, Damage in his hull & Riggin, which oblig'd him to sheer off, 
The Glascow, then made all the sail she possible could, for Newport, & made 
a running fight for 7 Glases we receiv'd several shott in ye. hull & riggin, one 
upon the Quarter, through the Netting and stove ye. arm Chest, upon the Quar- 
ter Deck and wounded our Drumer in ye. Legg At 6 Do, ye. Comodore made ye. 
Signal for giveing over Chase, she being two nigh Wallace to follow her, At 7 
Tack'd to ye. Southward, At Meridian was Join'd by all the Fleet, the Schooner 
we had taken, had taken the tender, belonging to ye. Glascow 



[287] 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Remarks on Tuseday May 2ist. 1776 ^ 

on the first part wind to the S. Ward the latter part at Yz past 4 
A M we Saw a Sail in Chase of us and She soon Came up with us and 
hild and ordered the Capt on Bord and Sent the penance for him & 
afterwards for me with N Bowen George Barber and N Russell and 
Sent the Capt on Bord with a prize Master and 4 Sailors and took out 
one of our Sailors and left the other on Bord the Sloop and sent her for 
Newport and the Brig stood to the W S W the Brig Nd Andrew: 
duriah of 14 Guns belonging to Philadelphia Commanded by Capt. 
Biddle — and so end the day 



Wednesday May 22d. 1776 



The first Small Light Breezes the latter Nothing Remarkable Stand- 
ing to the S.Ward 

Thursday May 23 



The first part Moderate Breezes and Smoaky air and So nothing 
more remarkable Standing to the S. E. 

Remarks on Fryday May 24th 



the first part Small Breezes and a large Swell from the S ward at 
Noon in Latt 39 . . 28 

Remarks on Saturday May 25th 



The first part of these 24 hours fresh gales of Wind from the E N E 
In Latt. 38. .20 

Remarks on Sunday May 26th. 1776 
the first part wind and we Tack'd Stood to the Eastward and it Came 
on ruged and Sqwalley 

Remarks on Monday May 27th 

the first part of this 24 hours fresh gales of wind and rain and we are 
Standing to E N E 

Remarks on Tuseday May 28 

the first part Light Breezes the Latter Brisk Gales from the South- 
ward and we ran E B N^^N no Observa. .Some rain and misty Weather 

Remarks on Wednesday May 29 



Cloudy weather and some rain 

^ On a separate leaf bound in the journal. — Editor. 

1:2893 



















Week Days 


Month 
Day 


Winds 


Course 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longi- 
tude 
In 


Bearings at Noon 


Sunday 


7 


ss w 

S West 












Monday 


8 


N East 












Tuesday 


9th 


Variable 












Wednesday 


loth 


Variable 












Thursday 


II 


South&SW 













l29o'2 



Remark's &c. 



Light Breezes & Cleer Weather, At 2 P M. Tkd. to Southd. & Westward 
At 6 P M, Block Hand Bore E ^ S Distance 3 Leagues and Montock Point 
S W B W, 4 or 5 Leagues, the Middle & latter foggy Weather with rain none 
of the Fleet in Sight, but ye. Cabot 



Thick foggy Weather, at i P M, came to In 6 fathom water, a Breast of New 
London Light house. In Company with several of ye. Fleet At 4 P M the fogg 
Began to Clear then hove up & run in for ye. Harbour At 6 Came to within ye. 
Light house. The Comodore Columbus & Providence not in sight, At 10 A M 
ye. Comodore & Columbus, came to off the Light house, At 8 A M, hove up 
Beat in a Brest of y town in Company with all the Fleet 



Moderate & Cloudy, Receiv'd orders to go out on a Cruse, Sent all the sick 
men on Shore to ye. Hospital & gott men from ye. Columbus & Providence, At 
5PM Hove up with Light Breezes from ye. Southd. & Beat down abrest of the 
Light house & came too, it being foggy & the tide a Flood, At 1 1 A M hove up & 
beat out — 



The first & middle part, Light airs & thick Weather At 2 P M, gott a ground, 
a little to ye. Westward, of the Light house, but being Flood tide we soon gott 
off. At 5 P M, the south part of Fishers Hand Bore E B S Distance 3 Leagues, 
At II Do. thick foggy Weather Run a shore on Long Hand, on Long Hand, 
about 6 Leagues from Montock Point, hove all a back & soon gott off and came 
to in 15 fathom Water, At 10 A M Hove up with a Fresh gale at W N W, and, 
made sail to ye. South, & Eastward 



Fresh gales & Clear, At 6 P M the East end of Block Island Bore North 
Distance 5 Leagues, At 12 M Night, Tack'd & stood In to ye. Westward At 
6AM Wore Ship & Stood in N W for Montock Point at 9 Do. made Montock 
Bearing N W B W stood in under the fore sail. But it Blowing Hard, was 
oblig'd to stand off under ye. M Staysail & Fore, sail, at 10 Do. Sett, Fore & 
Main Sail, 



[291] 



Week 
Days 


Month 
Days 


Winds 


Courses 


Dist 


Latt 
In 


Longt 
In 


Bearing at 
noon 


Friday 


12 


ws w 












Saturday 


13 


w sw 

sw 












Sunday 


14th 


N W 












Monday 


15th 


N W 












Tuesday 


1 6th 


NW to West 












Wednesday 


17th 


W to S West 












Thursday 


1 8th 


Westerly 


* 










Friday 


19th 


Westerly 













112923 



Remark's &c 



Fresh gales & Clear Weather, At i P M Montock Bore N W about 7 Leagues, 
At 6 Tack'd & stood off At 12 M. Night Came to in 18 Fathom, At 7 A M 
Hove up, Point Judith & stood off to the Southd. At meridian saw a sail under 
Montock Point. 



Moderate Breezes & Heazy Tackd & stood off for S W sail under Montock 
At I Brought her too, she had been taken by ye. Scarborough man of War about 
8 Days before, took out a Midshipman & Six Hands & put a Lieutenant & 3 
Hands, on board, she was from Hispaniola bound to new London, Loaded with 
Molasses Coffee & Powder, Beat up the Sound, with ye. Schooner, At 12 M Night 
Struck ye. Bottom to the Westward of Fisher's Hand, Back'd off & Came to in 
3 fathom Water; At 6 Hove up and Beat up the Sound, At meridian, Calm Came 
too with the Streem Anchor — 

Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather, At i A M hove up, with a fresh Breeze 
from ye. South & run in, with ye. Light house, & came too abrest of the Como- 
dore, 

Fresh Breezes & Clear Weather, sent 10, Men on board ye. Prise Schooner to 
take the Coffee out 



Fresh Breezes & Pleasent Weather Employ'd, accordingly — 



Moderate Breezes & Clear Weather, Employ'd in Sundrys 



Fresh Breezes & Clear Weather, Sail'd the Brig Cabot for Rhode Island- 



Moderate Breezes & Clear, Gott a Lif tenant & 17 Private, Marines from ye. 
Alfred, At 10 A M Weigh'd from New London, with ye. Fleet, At Meridian ye. 
Comodore gott aground on a Ledge of rocks to ye. Se East of the light, which 
oblidg'd all the Fleet to come too 



1^931 



Week 
Days 


Month 
D 


Winds 


Course 


Distance 








Saturday 


20 


Westerly 












Sunday 


21 


Variable 












Monday 


22 


Northerly 












Tuesday 


23 


Variable 












Wednesday 


24 


N W 












Thursday 


25 


Variable 










In new London 
Harbour 


Friday 


26 


WN W 












Saturday 


27 


Variable 












Sunday 


28 


Westerly 












Monday 


29 


S W 












Tuesday 


30 


s w 












Wednesday 
May 


1st 


Westerly 












Thursday 


2 


Variable 












Friday 


3 


Southerly 












Saturday 


4. 


S W 













C294I] 



Remarks &c— 



Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather At 5 P M the Comodore gott off after 
getting out all his guns, & starting his Water and run in ye. Harbour. 

Moderate & Clear, run up to town & Discharg'd some Shott & shells 



Moderate & Clear, Employ'd wartering — 



Light Breezes & Clear, At 4 P M Weigh'd & run down to ye. Fleet of the 
Light house & came to — 

Fresh Breezes & Clear, Weigh'd & run up to town, to Cleen — 

Moderate & Cloudy ; gott in to Mr. Shaw's Warf & gott, out, our guns ; 

Moderate & Clear, Gott ye. Provisions and Water out & Hove out the Lar- 
board Side, but she made so much Water, she fild & over sett 

Fresh Breezes & Clear, Employ'd strikeing topmast & top gallant. 

Fresh Breezes & Cloudy Hove out ye. Larboard Side — 

Fresh Breezes & heazy. In heaving out ye. Starboard Side she fil'd full of 
Water, Employ'd righting her — 

Light Breezes & Cloudy, hove out ye. Starboard Side 

Fresh Breezes & Rainy Employ'd Wartering & Clearing ye. Hole 

Moderate & Cloudy Employ'd in Sundrys — 

Fresh Breezes & heazy Employ'd stowing ye. Water & taken in Balace 

Moderate Breezes & Cloudy At 6 P M left New London in Company with 
several merchantmen Bound out. At 10 Do. saw a sail at Block Hand, made a 
Signal for ye. merchantmen to stand in, at 1 1 saw a schooner of Montock, spoke 
her from Salter tides Bound to new London, At meridian saw a Large Ship to ye. 
Southd. of Block Hand — 

1:2953 



Week 
Days 


Month 
Day 


Winds 


Course 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longi- 
tude In 




Sunday 


5 


S W: 








■ 




Monday 


6 


Southerly 












Tuesday 


7 


Variable 












Wednesday 


8 


Easterly 












Thursday 


9 


N E — 












Friday 


lO 


Northerly 












Saturday 


1 1 


N W 












Sunday 


12 


Westerly 












Monday 


13 


Sourthyly 












Tuesday 


14th 


S w 












Wednesday 


15 


Variable 












Thursday 


1 6th 


Sourtherly 












Friday 


17 


s s w 












Saturday 




SE 












Sunday 


19 


Westerly 













[2963 



Remarks &c.— 



Moderate Breezes & Cloudy, At 5 P M, The Merchant ship with ye. York 
Sloop, Haul'd there Wind, to ye. Southd., the Ship of Block Hand Bearing E S E 
about 5 Leagues, At 6 Do. Bore away for Rhode Hand, at 9 Do. past ye. Light 
House, and at 1 1 Came too of Kenemecut Point — 

Fresh Breezes & Cloudy, At i P M Hove up and run up the river and came 
to below ye. Cruek, a longside ye. Alfred, sent ye. Alfreds & Columbus men on 
board, that we had takeing from ye. Hospital at New London 



Moderate & Clear Weather, Employ'd in Sundry's 



Moderate & Heazy, Employ'd Accordingly — 



Fresh Breezes & thick Weather- 



Fresh Breezes & Clear, Employ'd about ye. riggen — 



Fresh Breezes & Cloudy Employ'd getting stores on board- 
Moderate Breezes & Clear, Sent ye. Marines on board ye. Providence, that we 
gott at New London, to ye. Camp at York — 

Light airs and Calm, Weigh'd, in Company with ye. Cabot & drap'd, down to 
Petuckoct and came too — 

Moderate Breezes & Clear, Hove up and beat Down, and at 6 P M, gott a 
Ground on ye. Gull rocks — 

Light airs & Calm, At 3 A M Gott off & tow'd down abres of new Port & 
came too 

Moderate Breezes & Clear, Employ'd filling Watar 
Fresh Breezes, the first part, the Latter Rain — 

Moderate Breezes & Cloudy thick Weather, The Fly ariv'd from Providence 

. Light Breezes & Clear, At 2 P M, took a Sloop, from ye. Warf, Bound to 
Halifax, & fetch'd her a Long side & overhauld her. At 3 A M. Weigh and at 
7 Do. abrest of the Light house, almost Calm — . 



[2973 



Week 
Days 


Month 
Day 


Winds 


Courses 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longi- 
tude 
In 


Bearing & 
Distance 
at Noon 


Monday 


20 


s w 


SE 


90 


40 .. 20 


68-44 




Tuesday 


21 


Variable 

X 


EBS 


52 


40,. 10 


67-37 




Wednesday 


22 


Northyly 


S48 E 


42 


39-42 


66-56 




Thursday 


23 


Variable 


N74E 


48 


39-55 


65-56 




Friday 


24 


Southerly 


South 


24 


39-31 


65-56 




Saturday 


25 


N E 


S 42 E 


95 


38 ..20 


64-35 




Sunday 


26 


S East 


N67 E 


102 


38.-59 


62-34 




Monday 


27th 


Variable 


N 70E 


105 


39-35 


60 -. 27 


At Meridian 
ye- He Sable Bore 
N 13 E Distance 
292 Miles by 
Estimation 



C298] 



Remark's &c— 



Moderate Breezes & Clear, At 6 P M, Nowman's Land, Bore, 
N B W 5 Leagues, at 7 Do. Saw a large Ship, a Stern standing after 
us, At 8 Do. Sounded 25 fathom, At 10 Do. saw ye. Ship a Stern come- 
ing up fast The Cabot, bore away to the Eastward, & we made sail to 
ye. Southd., At 11 Do. Lost sight of her— 



Light Breezes & Heazy At 8 Sounded 50 fathom, white sand with 
Specks, At 4 A M saw a sail, to Leward, gave Chase, and at 8 Do., 
fir'd 2 Swivels, & brought her too, she prov'd a Sloop from Tertolo, 
bound, to Liverpool in Nova Scocia, with Kings Clearance, which we 
made a prize off, her Cargo Consisting of 20 Barrels Sugar, 22 Hhds 
Rum 26 Hhds. of Molasses, and 1000 Bushels of Salt, sent Mr. Brown 
prise master & 13 Men to Carry her in to Providence left ye. Master 
and one man on board. 

Light airs & Heazy Weather, the Middle & Latter Moderate & 
Clear 

Light airs and Calm acompani'd with small Rain & a Smoth Sea 



Light airs and Calm all these 24 Hours, Bent ye. Old M Sail — 

Fresh Breezes & Heazy Weather with a Swell from ye. Eastward 
Under Single Reef Topsails, Hous'd all 5^e. Guns- 
Fresh Breezes & heazy Weather, vyith a Swell from ye. Eastward 
Under Close Reef Topsails, At 12 M N the Barge got out of ye. Chocks 
& had like to kill one of the Seaman that was Sleeping under it 

Fresh Breezes & thick close Weather attented, with rain and a Great 
Swell from ye. Eastward, At iq Tack'd to ye. Northward, At Merid- 
ian Tack'd to ye. Southward, Thick Close Weather — 



[299] 

















Week 
Days 


Month 
Days 


Course 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longitude 
In 


Bearing and 
Distance 


Tuesday 


28 


No. 70 E 

i, 


82 


40 .. 03 


58 .. 44 




Wednesday 


29 


N42 E 


103 


41 .. 19 


57 •• 12 


V 


Thursday 


30 


S45 W 


25 


41 .. 01 


57 .. 30 


— 


Friday 


31 


S 77 w 


113 


40 .. 35 


59 •• 56 


N W 


Saturday 
June 


1st 


S68W 


80 


40 .. 05 


61 .. 33 


Northerly 


Sunday 


2 


N 44W 


70 


40 .. 56 


62 .. 35 


S West 



CsooH 



Remark's &c— 1776- 



Moderate Breezes & dark Weather the first part of this 24 Hours, the latter 
fresh Breezes & thick Weather, accompanied with rain. At 8 P M Tack'd to ye. 
N At 4 A M, Sett T G Sails & Steering sails, at Meridian In T G sails & Steer- 
ing sails 



Fresh Breezes and Squally with Rain, At 4 A M Saw two Ships to ye. North'd, 
Made Sail and Haul'd, our Wind to ye. North'd, At 6 Do. Brought the Norther- 
most too, a Ship from, Glascow, bound to Boston with 100 Highland troops on 
Board & Officers, made her hoist her Boat out & the Capt came on board, detain'd 
the Boat, till we Brought the other too, from Glascow with ye. same number of 
troops, went on board and sent ye. Capt. and four Men on board ye. Brig, receiv'd 
orders for sending, all the troops, on board ye. other ship and sent Prise master 
with Eleven Hands Sent all the Arms on board ye. Brig from-both Ships, two 
Hundred & odd — 



Light airs & Calm all this 24 Hours, At 6 P M. gott all the Troops out on 
board ye. other Transport, and made sail to ye. S W, The Brig & ship in Com- 
pany, Thick foggy Weather — 



Fresh Breezes & thick heazy Weather, attended with rain, all sail Convenient 
Sett, The Brig & ship in Company — 



Fresh Breezes and Clear Weather, the first part of this 24 Hours the Middle & 
Latter Moderate and Clear, all sail sett, the Brig & ship In Company — 

Light Breezes & Pleasent Weather the first Part of this 24 Hours the Middle 
& Latter fresh Breezes & Heazy, Hoisted ye. Yaul out & sent I ^ox of musket 
Carterages fild i Barrel Powder, ^ Barrel Ditto i Bell on board ye. Brig at 9 
P M, Hoisted ye. Yaul in, and made Sail in Company with ye. Brig & Ship, at 
4 A. M. Hd. T G Sails 



CsoO 



Week 
Days 


Month 
D 


Winds 


Courses 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longi- 
tude 
In 


Bearings 
& Distance 


Monday 


3 


SWest 


N 56W 


77 


41 ..41 


63-59 


At Meridian 
Cape Codd Bore 
N 82 W. Dist 
222 Miles By 
Estimation 


Tuesday 


4 


Variable 


N 58 W 


68 


42.. 17 


65.. 17 


1 


Wednesday 


5th 


Northerly 


S25 W 


131 


40.. 18 


66 ..30 




Thursday 


6 


Northerly 


West 


70 


40.. 19 


68 ..02 




Friday 


7 


SWest 


N36WI 


38 


40.. 49 


68 ..31 


i 


Saturday 


8 


Variable 
from S W 

to N W 


West 


24 


40 .. 49 


69 ..02 




Sunday 


9 


N West 


S66 W 


81 


40.. 17 


70 ..37 





[302] 



Remarks &c.— 



Fresh Breezes & Heazy Weather with a Long Swell from ye. Westward, At 6 
A M, Sett Top gallant sails, & staysails, The Brig & ship in Company 



Fresh Breezes & dark Weather the first part of this 24 Hours the Middle & 
latter Moderate Breezes & Squally Weather, at Meridian Single reef'd ye. Top- 
sails, and Tack'd to ye. Southd. ye. Brig and Ship in Company — 



Fresh Breezes & thick foggy Weather the first Part of this 24 Hours the 
Middle & latter Fresh gales & Clear. At 12 M Night, Shortend sail & Hove to 
under Double reef'd Topsails with our head to ye. East\vard, at 4 A M made 
sail with ye. Brig and ship 

Moderate Breezes & Clear Weather, at 6 P M. sent a new M T G Yard up 
and sett the sail, find a Strong Current setting to ye. Northd, and Eastd. 

Light airs and Clear the first part of this 24 Hours the Middle & Latter Fresh 
Breezes and Squally with rain, at 9 A M Handed T G Sails at 10 Do. Single 
reef'd ye. Topsails, the Brigg & Ship in Company — 

Fresh Breezes & Squally with heavy rain the first part of this 24 Hours, ye. 
Latter fresh Breezes and Clear at 8 P M Wore Ship to ye. Southd., At 2 A M 
Sounded no Bottom with a Hundred fathom of Line, at 10 Do. out reefs & sett 
Jibb & Staysails the Brig & ship in Company — 

Fresh Breezes & Squally with rain & a heavy sea from ye. Westward, at 6 A M 
Double reef'd ye. Topsails, At 4 A M Close reef'd ye. Topsails & handed them, 
Sounded no Bottom, The Brig & ship in Company 



[303] 



Week 
Days 


Month 
Day 


Winds 


Courses 


Distance 


Lattitude 
In 


Longi- 
tude In 




Monday 


10 


N W 


South 


100 


38.-37 


70 ..37 




Tuesday 


II 


Variable 


N29 W 


52 


39 ..22 


71 ..00 





113043 



Remark's &c. 



Fresh Breezes & Squally With rain the first part of this 24 Hours 
the Latter Light airs & Calm, At 8 P M sett ye. Topsails, At 12 M N, 
Sett Jibb & stay sails, At 4 A M, out all reefs of ye. Topsails — 



Moderate Breezes & heazy Weather the first part of this 24 Hours 
the Fresh Breezes & Squally At 4 A M saw five Sail to ye. N West of 
us Bore down to ye. Brig & shoke her she advis'd me to stand to ye. 
south'd & Westward ye. other Ship to ye. Westward at 8 Do. finding 
the they did not come up with us hauld our Wind to ye. W S W at 1 1 
Do. bore Down to ye. Brig the ships hauld there Wind to ye. Westward 
and the Brig to ye. Eastward, the Oxford stood in to ye. Westward & 
lost sight of her. 



1:3053 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Chatham off Staten Island 24th. July 1776. 
Sir, 

On the arrival of Lord Howe at this place a few days 
ago, I was not a little surprized to find that on His 
Lordship's calling off Halifax, He was informed by 
Commissioner Arbuthnot that there was no intimation 
left with him to what place His Majesty's Squadron un- 
der my Command and the Transports under my Convoy 
had proceeded. This indeed, if Fact, would have been 
a very gross and unOfficer-like Omission, of which I 
think it my duty to acquit myself, by sending you here- 
with a Copy of a Letter I wrote to, and left with the 
Commissioner a few days before my Departure from 
Halifax, which was delivered to him by my Secretary, 
which he acknowledged the receipt of, but which in the 
Multiplicity of Business he is Engaged in, in his several 
Departments, I presume he must have forgot or mis- 
laid, and therefore beg you will please to communicate 
it to their Lordships for my Justification. 

I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M : SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 



1:3063 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure A 

[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO COMMISSIONER 
ARBUTHNOT ] 

(Copy) 

Chatham in Halifax Harbour the 5th. June 1776. 

Sir 

In case the following Measures which I 
judge to be necessary for His Majesty's Ser- 
vice, should not be carried into execution be- 
fore my departure from this place, I think it 
expedient to make you acquainted with them, 
that the proper Orders for the purposes here- 
after mentioned may be given, when the 
Command in this Port may devolve on you. 

I St. 

I intend the Savage, as a Convoy and pro- 
tection for the Collery to be carried on at 
Spanish River in the Island of Cape Breton, 
Her Orders! for the Supply of His Majesty's Troops and 
wTthtou y^^ Inhabitants of this place; and her Com- 
mander must have Orders conformable to the 
Scheme of General Howe, a Copy of which 
you herewith receive. 

2d. 

The Tamer is expected with Forage for the 
Army, which is to be distributed to the several 

[307I 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Ships left there to take on board the Light 
Dragoons, and carry them to join the Army at 
New York. These Ships (with any others 
Captain Talbot's ^^^^ "^^^ chuse to avail themselves of the Con- 
Orders are left with voy) are to Sail under Convoy of the Niger,f 
y°"' whose Commander must be particularly en- 

joined to take uncommon pains to prevent any 
of the Ships committed to his care being sepa- 
rated from him; The Embarkation of this 
Regiment and their Sailing, must be as soon as 
possible after the Arrival of the Forage, & in 
case there should be more Forage purchased 
for the King in the Bay of Fundy, than can be 
brought round to this place by the Tamer's 
Convoy, then the Tamer is to take with her so 
many Vessels as may be sufficient to contain 
it. proceed to the place or places where it may 
be. And after it is put on board the Vessels in- 
tended to receive it take them under Convoy, 
adopting every precaution to prevent separa- 
tion, and proceed to the Hook, at the Entrance 
of New- York. 



3d. 

Relative to the Ships that may arrive ex- 
pecting to find the King's Forces at this place; 
such as need no Convoy must be directed to 
follow Us, and those of no Force must wait 
until an opportunity offers for their being pro- 
tected on their passage to New- York, which 
may be expected soon to happen, by the Sail- 
ing of the Niger. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

4th. 

You will be pleased to take the necessary 
Measures for getting the Albany ready for 
Sea, as soon as the King's Service in general, 
dependant on your Office will admit; And 
whereas I have thought it expedient to impress 
every fifth Man out of Ships arriving at this 
Port, you will please to give directions for the 
same practice being continued, as there is no 
other resource to fill the Vacancies in His 
Majesty's Ships occasioned by Deaths, Deser- 
tions, and other Accidents. 
I am 

Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
M Shuldham. 
Mariot Arbuthnot Esqr. 

The Letter, of which the above is a Copy, was de- 
liver'd to Commodore Arbuthnot by me at Halifax, 
and which he acknowledged the receipt of to me. 

Evan NepEAN, Secretary 



[ PHILIP STEPHENS TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM^ ] 

25th. July 1776 
My Lord 

My Lords Commrs. of the Admty having directed 
Vice Adml. Ld. Howe, to order you to return to Eng- 

1 Admiralty Records, Secretary's Department, Out-Letters, 2, voL 
552, p. 322. 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

land in His Majts. Ship Chatham towards the fall of 
this Year, unless his Lordship shall judge it expedient 
for His Majestys Service, that you should continue with 
the said Ship in No. America; I am commanded by my 
Lords to acquaint your Lordship therewith &c. 

PS 
Rt. Honble. Ld. Shuldham 

No. America 
Bv the Perseus at Portsmouth 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

Bristol off New York 29th. Octor. 1776. 
Sir, 

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter of 
the 25th. July signifying to me that their Lordships had 
directed Vice Admiral Lord Howe to Order me to re- 
turn to England in His Majesty's Ship Chatham to- 
wards the fall of this Year, unless His Lordship shall 
judge it expedient for His Majesty's Service that I 
should continue with the said Ship in North America. 

I am Sir 

Your most Obedient 
humble Servant 
Shuldham 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 

Endorsed Reed. 29 Deer. & Read 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



[ VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM TO PHILIP STEPHENS ] 

His Majesty's Ship Bristol 
at Spithead 23d February 1777. 
Sir, 

I have the pleasure to acquaint you of my arrival here 
this day in His Majesty's Ship Bristol, in pursuance of 
/an Order from Vice Admiral Lord Howe, (a Copy of 
which accompanys this) having Sailed from New York 
the 8th. of last Month, without meeting any thing more 
extraordinary than the common occurrences of the pas- 
sage, as are particularly set forth in the Journal of my 
proceedings, which Mr. Robertson First Lieutenant of 
the Bristol will have the honor of delivering to you 
herewith, together with Two Packets on His Majesty's 
Service committed to my charge by Lord Howe. 

I am 
Sir 
Your most Obedt. Servant 
SHULDHAM 
Philip Stephens Esqr. 



D'O 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 



Enclosure A 
[ LORD HOWE TO VICE ADMIRAL SHULDHAM ] 

(Copy) 

Shuldham By the Viscount Howe, Vice Admiral of 
the White, and Commander in Chief of 
His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed 
and to be employed &ca. in North Amer- 
ica. 

Whereas there is not any apparent Necessity for the 
longer detention of His Majesty's Ship the Bristol in 
which Your Lordship is embarked, with respect to the 
military Operations impending, or proposed to be un- 
dertaken for the King's Service, by His Majesty's Land 
Forces in this and the adjacent Provinces; You are 
therefore to repair in the said Ship with all convenient 
diligence to Portsmouth : Being upon your arrival there, 
to make the same known to the Secretary, that you may 
receive Orders from the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty for your future Conduct, and the further ap- 
pointment of the Ship. 

Your Lordship is at the same time to direct Captain 
Raynor to forward in the charge of a trusty Officer, by 
Express, the several Dispatches for the Admiralty and 
Secretary of States Offices, transmitted herewith ; to be 
delivered as they are respectively addressed — 



DESPATCHES OF MOLYNEUX SHULDHAM 

Given on board His Majesty's Ship the Eagle at New 
York the 27th. day of December 1776. HoWE. 

To 

Vice Admiral 

The Right Honble. Lord Shuldham, | Bristol. 
By Command of the Vice Admiral. 

Jos. Davies. 



[313] 



INDEX 



Abacco, Island of, Bahamas, 275, 

277 
Actaeon, H. B. M. S., 9, 29, 157, 

219 
Active, H. B. M. S., 34, 219 
Active, Revenue Cutter, 164 
Admiralty, High Court of, 174, 

175 

Admiralty, Letters of, 6, 9-13, 
62, 160 

Admiralty, Lords Commissioners 
of the, I, 3, 5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 
19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 29, 31, 32, 
33, 34, 36, 40, 63, 89, 103, 104, 
106, 136, 140, 156, 162, 163, 
164, 170, 176, 184, 206, 208, 

222, 309 

Adventure, Sloop, 244 

Adventure, Storeship, 9, 152, 
200, 250, 264 

Albany, H. B. M. S., 254, 255, 
266, 309 

Albion, Victualler, 166 

Alborough, Victualler, 173, 209 

Alens, Williams, Captain, 121 

Alexander, Jno., 192, 194 

Alexander, Mark, 202 

Alexander, William, 128 

Alfred, American Ship, 297 ; Fit- 
ting out, 43 ; Armament, 1 20 ; 
I Description of, 120, 122, 182, 
I 215; Sails from Philadelphia, 
120, 275 ; Action with the Glas- 
gow, 177-186, 287 

Amazon, Brig, 244 

Amboy, N, J., 264 

Americans, large number of, serv- 
ing on board naval ships, xxxiii, 
206 

C3 



Amsterdam, Holland, 116 

Andrew Doria, American brig, 
Fitting out for sea, 43 ; Sailed 
from Philadelphia, 120; De- 
scription of, 122, 182; Action 
with the Glasgow, 177-186, 
287 ; Captures made by, xxxi, 
273, 289, 293, 297, 299, 301; 
Log-book of, XX, 275-305 

Anguilla, 176 

Annapolis Royal, N. S., Vessels 
stationed at, 155, 200, 250 

Anne, Cape, 72, 80, 202, 213, 
251 

Antigua, 17, 18, 153; Vessels 
driven to, 165, 166, 169 

Arbuthnot, Marriot, Commis- 
sioner, 54, 79, 104, 142, 306- 
309 ; Letters of, 56, 145 

Arnold, Benedict, Colonel, 60, 
121, 126 

Artificers, 157 

Asia, H. B. M. S., 6, 7, 8, 40, 42, 
44, 109, 114, 152, 201, 252, 
264, 273 ; Attempt to destroy 
the, 41, 225 ; Condition of, no, 
227 ; Captures made by, 202, 

247 
Atkins, Christr., Captain, 9 
Atkins, Nathl., 83 
Aurora, Transport, 218 
Aurora, Vessel, 121 
Avery, Samuel, 244 
Ayscough, James, Captain, 8, 

152, 200, 213, 250, 264 

Bache, Mr., 44 

Bagley, John, 202 

Bahama Islands, 3, 10, 38; De- 

15] 



INDEX 



fencelessness of, 22, 23 ; Mili- 
tary Stores at, 23; Vessels sta- 
tioned at, 155, 201; Descent 
upon, 275 

Baltimore, Md., Vessels fitting 
out at, 122, 123, 128 

Banks, Francis, Captain, 9, 138, 
141, 152, 153, 167, 200, 210, 
250, 251, 257, 266 

Barbadoes, Island of, 127, 176 

Barber, George, 289 

Barbut, Captain, 239 

Barfleur, H. B. M. S., 24 

Barkley, Andrew, Captain, 8, 
154, 187, 191, 192, 200, 250, 
266 

Barlow, Moses, 246 

Barnard, Mr., 244 

Barrington, Viscount, Secretary 
at War, xxi 

Barron, Lieutenant, 145 

Barry, Captain, 148 

Bartlett, Ambs., 204 

Barton, Robert, Lieutenant, 196 

Bayard, Nicholas, 130 

Bayard, Samuel, Jr., 129, 130 

Beardman, Fras., 244 

Bellew, Henry, Captain, 9, 152, 
201, 252, 266, 268, 269 

Benson, Robert, 130 

Bermuda Islands, Defenceless- 
ness of, 22, 23, 77; Military 
Stores at, 23, 159; Mentioned, 
38, 256; The Nautilus ordered 
to, 166, 201, 253, 267 

Betsey, Sloop, 244 

Betsy and Molly, Vessel, 202 

Beverly, Mass., 69, 72 

Biddle, Nicholas, Captain, 122, 
182, 275, 289 

Bishop, Thomas, Captain, 8, 
152, 200, 250, 266 

Bissell, Rd., 204 

Black Book, The, 199 

Blackburn, Isaac, 90 

Black Joke, Pilot boat, 42 

1:3 



Block Island, 179, 180, 287, 291, 
295, 297 

Blonde, H. B. M. S., 171, 172, 
255 

Blue Mountain Valley, Ship, 90; 
capture of, 112, 128 

Boardman, David, 202 

Boger, Richard, Lieutenant, 142, 
268 

Boilston, Thomas, 82, 84, 202 

Bolton, H. B. M. S., 9, 108, 152, 
178, 200; Captured by Ameri- 
can Squadron, 179, 208, 250 

Bordeaux, France, 136, 215 

Boreas, H. B. M. S., 9, 29, 157; 
Grounding of, 34 

Boston, Mass., Shuldham ordered 
to, 2, 6, 19; Graves ordered to, 
10; Blockade of port of, 10; 
Stores intended for, xxvi, xxvii, 
97-99; Loyal merchants at, 12; 
Arrival of Shuldham at, xxvi, 
37; American army at, 60; 
Evacuated by the British, xxix, 
XXX, 107, 137-139, 141, 209, 
217, 223 

Boston Bay, Vessels stationed in, 
267 

Boston Packet, Ship, 80-84, 202 

Boston Port Bill, xxiv 

Bourmaster, Lieutenant, 259 

Bowen, N., 289 

Bowman, Transport, 257 

Boyne, H. B. M. S., 6, 8 

Brackett, John, 202 

Bradley, Chrisr., 244 

Bragge, Edward, 109 

Brassier, Mr., 1 16 

Brathwaite, Richard, Captain, 9, 
41, 152, 200, 250, 264 

Bray, David, 244 

Breedon, Andrew, 189 

Breton, Cape, 10 

Bright, Frs., 202 

Bristol, England, 28, 174 

163 



INDEX 



Bristol, H. B. M. S., 29, 264, 

274, 310, 311 
Britannia, Ship, 90, 254 
Britannia, Victualler, 173 
British King, Ship, loi 
Bromedge, Hugh, Captain, 8, 

152, 201, 223, 224, 243, 250, 

266 ; Report of, 79-84 
Brown, Andrew, 204 
Brown, John, Lieutenant, 152, 

200, 250, 264 
Brown, Jonas, 194 
Brown, Lieutenant, 135 
Brownhall, Storeship, 159, 169 
Brownlow, Josh., 244 
Brun, Captain, 90 
Brunswick troops, for service in 

America, 171 
Brymer, Alexander, Agent, 5 1 , 

52, 85, 104, 210 
Buck, Isaac, 244 

Buller, John, Lord Commis- 
sioner of the Admiralty, 7, 62, 

161 
Bunner, George, 204 
Burling, Samuel, 244 
Burnaby, Wm. C, Captain, 8, 

154, 200, 250, 266 
Burr, John, Captain, 157, 200, 

250, 266 
Burress, John, 204 
Bushnel, Mr., Attempt to destroy 

the Asia, xxviii, 41 
Bute, H. B. M. S., 162, 266 



Cabot, American Brig, 277, 291, 
297, 299; Fitting out for sea, 
43 ; Sailed from Philadelphia, 
120, 275; Description of, 122, 
123, 182; Action with the Glas- 
gow, 177-186, 287; Captures 
made by, 287 

Calf, Captain, 90 

Callbeck, Phillips, Capture of, by 
the rebels, 64, 69-75 

C3 



Calvert, Corns., 202 
Calvert, Jas., 202 
Cambridge, Mass., American 

Army at, 47 
Campbell, David, 83 
Campbell, Robt., 244 
Canada, 45, 60, 121, 126, 127, 

148, 241,255 
Canceaux, H. B. M. S., 9, 105, 

140, 156, 163, 164, 175, 209, 

254, 266 
Canso, Bay of, 70, 158, 167 
Cape Breton Island, 267, 274, 

307 
Carcass, H. B. M. S., 34, 172 
Carleton, Sir Guy, 41, 121, 126, 

175 
Carpenters, Need of, 5 
Carr, Thomas, Gunner, 196 
Carysfort, H. B. M. S., 171, 172, 

255 

Case, Thos., 194 

Centurion, H. B. M. S., 9, 37, 
139, 141, 152, 200, 250, 264, 
273 ; Arrival of, at Boston, 41 

Cerberus, H. B. M. S., 9, 57, 
146, 154, 168, 200, 222, 250, 
266 ; Captures made by, xx, 247, 

273 _ . 

Chaleur Fisheries, Protection 
for, 106 

Chapman, Richard, 192, 194 

Charity, Sloop, 44 

Charles, Cape, Va., 202 

Charleston, S. C, Expedition 
against, xxxii, 29 ; Batteries at, 
187, 190; Vessels captured at, 
204 ; Vessels stationed at, 264 

Charlotte Town, St. Johns, 
Rebel descent upon, 69 

Charming Nelly, Ship, 90 

Charming Sally, Storeship, 157, 

159 
Chatham, H. B. M. S., 5, 9, I9, 
23, 27, 28, 141, 152, 196; 
Shuldham to hoist his flag in, 2, 

173 



INDEX 



6, 14; Detained at Spithead, 15, 
17, 25; Unfitness of, xxv, 15, 
19; Increase of complement of, 
24; Passage to Boston, xxvi, 37 ; 
under repair, 39; At Boston, 
40-139; In Nantasket Roads, 
157; At Halifax, 165-269; At 
New York, 263-306 

Cherokee, H. B. M. S., 9, 154, 
201, 252, 264 

Chesapeake Baj^ Detached squad- 
ron to be stationed in, 11; Men- 
tioned, xxxiv, 43, 144 

Clarissa, Vessel, 204 

Clark, Mr., iii 

Clark, John, 244 

Cleavland, Stephen, 202 

demons, John, 244 

Clepham, George, Purser, 109, 

114 

Clinton, General, xxxi, no, 155, 
201, 253, 273 

Clyde, River, 172 

Coats, Major, 239 

Cobbett, Frs., 202 

Cochran, James, 244 

Cochran, Thomas, 244 

Cod, Cape, Mass., 134, 202, 302 

Cole, Norton, 204 

Collins, David, 202 

Collins, John, Captain, 8, 152, 
201, 252, 266 

Columbus, American Ship, 283, 
287, 291, 297; Fitting out for 
sea, 43; Description of, 120, 
122, 123, 182; Sailed from 
Philadelphia, 120, 275; Action 
with the Glasgow, 177-186, 
287 ; Captures made by, 287 

Committee of Safety of New 
York, 129 

Complements, Increase of, on 
board naval vessels, 12, 24, 62, 
220; Shortage in, xxxiii, 168, 
206, 309 

Confederation, Articles of, 115 

C3 



Congress, The Continental, 41, 
45, 46, 47, 60, 115, 134, 235 

Cooper, Captain, 165 

Cork, Ireland, Assembling of Sir 
Peter Parker's expedition at, 
xxxii, 29, 34, 162, 171; Men- 
tioned, 103, 105, 106, 136, 137 

Corran, Edward, 151 

Craig, Captain, 119 

Craik, George, 192, 194 

Crawford, Transport, Capture 
of, 273, 301 ; Recapture of, 305 

Crews, see Complements 

Cruizer, H. B. M. S., 8, 154, 
201, 252, 264 

Cunningham, Robert, 151 

Curtis, Roger, Captain, 264 

Dartmouth, Earl of, 21, 66, 87, 

92 
Davies, Jos., 313 
Davis, Heskett, 90 
Dawson, Mr., 135 
Dawson, George, Lieutenant and 

Captain, 8, 152, 200, 250, 266 
Deal Castle, H. B. M. S., 29, 34 
Dean, Benjn., 204 
Dean Sand, 34 
Dear, Captain, 90 
De Brahm, William G., 11 
De la Touche, John, Lieut., 9 
Delaware, American frigate, 123 
Delaware Bay, Detached squad- 
ron to be stationed in, 1 1 
Delaware River, xxxiv, 38, 131, 

143, 169, 201, 237, 253, 255, 

264 
Dempster, Captain, 90 
Dennis, John, 151, 204 
Denny, William, 82, 84, 202 
Diana, Sloop, 244 
Dickson, James, Surgeon, 196, 

220, 250, 264 
Diligence, Brig, 244 
Diligent, H. B. M. S., 152, 201, 

222, 250, 266 

18] 



INDEX 



Dispatch, H. B. M. S., 141, 152, 

200, 250, 266 
Dispencer, Packet, 213, 217 
Distilling coppers, 17 
Dixon, John, 83 

Dobbs, Thomas, 244 

Dock Yards, Conditions at, 15 

Dod, Edmd., Lieut., 152, 201, 
250, 266 

Douglas, Charles, Captain, 266 

Douglas, Sir James, Vice Ad- 
miral, 24 

Douglas, Josh., 83 

Down, Robert, 244 

Dudingston, Wm., Captain, 8, 
154, 200, 250 

Duke of Cumberland, Packet, 

187 
Dunkirk, 164 
Dunmore, Lord, xxviii, 43, 49, 

60, 121 

Eagle, H. B. M. S., 172,313 

Ebenezer, Vessel, 244 

Echo, Ship, 90 

Eden, Mr., 216 

Effingham, American frigate, 123 

Eleanor, Ship, 90 

Elizabeth, Brig, 204 

Elizabeth, Sloop, 246 

Elizabeth, Storeship, 214 

Ellis, Alexander, Lieut., 9, 154, 

201, 252, 264 
Ellis, John, 244 
Emanuel, Transport, 218 
Emerald Brune, Ship, 172 
Erving, George, 94 
Erving, John, 94 

Eve, Abram, 244 

Experiment, H. B. M. S., 9, 29, 

37, 158, 166, 167, 169, 209, 

250, 257, 264 

Falcon, H. B. M. S., 8, 154, 201, 
252, 264, 268; Captures made 
by, 245 

l3 



Fame, Ship, 90 

Fanny, Ship, 90 

Fear, Cape, N. C, 29, 155, 189, 

201, 218, 251, 253, 264 
Felicity, Ship, 90 
Fellfair & Co., 194 
Ferguson, John, Lieut., 9, 154, 

201, 252, 264 
Ferneaux, Tobias, Captain, 264 
Ferrol, Spain, American trade 

with, 31 
Fisher, Captain, 90 
Fisher's Island, 291 
Flint stones. Measure to prevent 

unloading of, 13 
Flora, H. B. M. S., 257 
Florida, 29 
Florida, Cape, 10 
Floyd, Colonel, 117 
Fly, American Sloop, 275, 276, 

282 
Forbes, George, Captain, xxiv 
Fordyce, Captain, 61 
Fort Amherst, Island of St. 

Johns, 71 
Fort Pitt, 46 
Fort Ticonderoga, 119 
Foster, William, 72 
Fowey, H. B. M. S., 8, 139, 152, 

169, 201, 252, 254, 255, 264 
France, American trade with, 31, 

32, 46, 116, 136, 158, 214, 215 
Franklin, Samuel, 202 
Franling, Walter, 204 
Freeman, William, 244 
Friendship, Ship, 90, 94, lOO 
Friendship, Transport, Loss of, 

108, 134 
Friendship, Vessel, 34 
Fundy, Bay of, 200, 212, 251, 

267, 274, 308 
Furneaux, Tobias, Captain, 9, 

201, 207, 252 

Gage, General, 94 
Gambier, Commissioner, 15 

193 



INDEX 



Gardner, Alexr., 244 

Gardner, Goes, 202 

Gaspee, H. B. M. S., 9, 54, 56, 

105, 154, 201, 252, 266 
Gaspee fisheries, Protection for, 

106, 214 

Gayton, Rear Admiral, 29, 176 

Generous Friend, Ship, 90 

Generous Planter, Ship, 90 

George III., 29, 63 

George, Thomas, 151 

George, Sloop, 44 

George Town, Packet, 204 

Georgia, 29, 187, 189, 191, 201, 
253, 264 

Georgia, Packet, 204 

Germaine, Lord George, 36, 55, 
63, 210, 219, 221, 223, 249 

Glasgow, H. B. M. S., 8, 58, 
152, 200, 212; Ordered to Vir- 
ginia, xxxiv, 108, 177, 178; En- 
gagement with American Squad- 
ron, xxxiv, 177-186, 207, 212, 
227, 273, 287; Extract from 
Log-book of, 186 

Glenders, Thos., 192, 194 

Glover, Thos., 83 

Goddard, Richard, 83 

Goodridge, John, Lieut., 152, 
200, 250, 266 

Graeme, Alexr., Captain, 142, 
151, 152, 158, 200, 252, 264, 
269 

Grampus, Vessel, 202 

Grant, Major, 187, 191 

Grant, Robert, Contractor, Diffi- 
culty of victualling the fleet, 51, 
52, 104 

Grant, William, Lieut., 8, 154, 
166, 201, 252, 264 

Graves, Captain, 28 

Graves, John, Lieut., 9, 154, 201, 
252, 264 

Graves, Samuel, Captain, 152, 
158, 200, 250, 266 

Graves, Samuel, Vice Admiral, 

C3 



xxiii, xxvi, 24, 37, 38, 54, 56, 
64, 66, 67, 79, 85, 89, 91, 104, 
138, 142, 147, 159; Recalled 
from America, 6 ; Orders to, 
xxv, 7, 10-13, 26; Departure 
from Boston, 39, 40, 76 ; Vessels 
under the command of, 8-9 

Graves, Thomas, Lieut., 9 

Green, Major, 60 

Greenol, Captain, 116 

Greyhound, H. B. M. S., 63, 
103, 105, 106, 136, 137, 162, 
171, 219, 250, 264, 273 

Greyhound, Sloop, 204 

Greyhound, Vessel, 204 

Gunpowder, 31 ; Export of, out 
of the kingdom, prohibited, 12 

Haddon, Jona., 244 

Hague, The, Holland, 164 

Hague, Benjamin, 204 

Hague, Isaac, 204 

Halifax, H. B. M. S., 9, 154, 
200, 250, 266; Captures made 
by, 202 

Halifax, N. S., 76, 78, 104, 108, 
141, 153, 157, 177, 200, 202, 
250, 251; Critical situation of, 
54, 145, 147, 212; Scarcity of 
stores at, 55, 56, 57, 156, 173; 
Vessels stationed at, 155; Ar- 
rival of fleet at, xxx, xxxii, 168; 
Importance of King's Yard, 212 

Hallum, John, Lieut., 9, 152, 

200, 250, 264 

Hamilton, John, Captain, 9, 201, 

252 
Hamilton, William, Captain, 

154, 266 
Hamond, Andrew S., Captain, 

xxxiii, 9, 142, 143, 152, 168, 

201, 212, 252, 255, 264, 269 
Hampton Roads, Va., 270 
Hanau troops, for service in 

America, 171 
Hancock, John, 237 

20] 



INDEX 



Hannah, Sloop, 204, 244 

Hannell, George, 90 

Harp, Captain, 90 

Harriot, Transport, 113, 212 

Harris, Lieutenant, 257 

Harrison, Gilbt., 204 

Hartwell, Brodk., Captain, 8 

Harvey, General, xxi 

Hawke, H. B. M. S., 29, 34, 165 

Haynes, Wm., 83 

Hazard, J., Captain, 122, 182 

Helena, Brig, 44 

Hellegas, Mr., 116 

Henlopen, Cape, 200, 212, 253, 

264, 275 
Henry, Cape, Va., 202 
Hessian troops, for service in 

America, 173 
Hetherington, John, 42 
Hetty, Sloop, 246 
Hibernia, Brig, 244 
Highland troops, for service in 

America, xxxv, 172; Captured 

by the Andrevv^ Doria, 273, 301 
Hill, John, 202 
Hilman, Captain, 287 
Hinchinbrooke, H. B. M. S., 9, 

154, 201, 252, 264 
Hinckley, Richard, Lieutenant, 

268 
Hispaniola, Colonial trade with, 

Holland, American trade with, 
31, 116 

Holmes, James, 94, 100 

Hope, H. B. M. S., 8, 152, 200, 
220, 250, 266; Captures made 
by, 202 

Hope, Brig, 135 

Hope, Ordnance Vessel, Capture 
of, 257 

Hope, Storeship, Capture of, 219 

Hope, Vessel, 204 

Hopkins, Esek, Captain, xx, 
xxxiv, 43, 122 ; Sails from Phila- 
delphia, 120, 133; Orders for 

[132 



sailing of squadron, 124; Sails 
from Reedy Island, 131 ; Action 
with the Glasgow, 177-186 

Hopkins, J. B., Captain, 122, 182 

Hornet, American sloop, 275, 
276 

Hortwick, John, 246 

Hotham, William, Commodore, 
172, 175, 209, 273 

Howe, Richard, Admiral (Earl), 
210, 307, 309, 310, 311, 312; 
Appointed to command in 
America, 160, 172, 217; Ar- 
rival of, at New York, xxxv, 
306 

Howe, Tyringham, Captain, 8, 
152, 200; Action with Ameri- 
can Squadron, xxxiv, 177-186, 
273, 287 

Howe, Sir William, General, 
xxix, xxxiv, 36, 37, 40, 76, 77, 
84, 99, 100, 102, 107, 148, 160, 
172, 175, 210, 211, 213, 217, 
259, 272; Relations with Ad- 
miral Shuldham, 87-103, 259- 
262 

Howell, James, 244 

Hudson, Charles, Captain, 9, 37, 
76, 154, 200, 252, 264; Report 
of. 78 

Hudson River, 272 

Hunt, Anthony, Captain, 252, 
264 

Hunter, H. B. M. S., 9, 154, 
201, 252, 266 

Hunter, William, Lieut., 9, 154; 
Capture of, by the rebels, 54, 
56, 201 

Hutchison, John, 189 

Impressment, of men from army 
transports, 36, 158; Necessity 
of resorting to, 309 

Industry, Sloop, 244 

Integrity, Victualler, 173 

Iris, H.B. M. S., 162 



INDEX 



Irvine, Mr., 17, 18, 216 
Irwin, General, xxi 
Irwin, Ship, 90 
Isis, H. B. M. S., 216, 266 

Jackson, George, Second Secre- 
tary to the Admiralty, Letters 
of, 32, 33, 35, 36, 63, 103, 104, 
136, 140, 156, 158, 162, 163, 
164, 167, 213, 220, 222 

Jamaica, Island of, 29, 34, 174, 
176 

James, Schooner, 202 

Jane, Vessel, 204 

Jenkins, Captain, 90 

Jenny, Transport, Capture of, by 
the rebels, 72 

Jersey, Hospital Ship, 172 

John, Schooner, 202 

John, Sloop, 202, 204 

John and Joseph, Vessel, 204 

Johnson & Co., 194 

Johnston, Hugh, 151 

Joseph, Vessel, 202 

Josiah, James, Lieutenant, xx, 

273 
Juno, H. B. M. S., 171, 172, 255 
Juno, Vessel, 150, 202 

Keeler, Robert, Captain, 9 
Keith, William, 150, 202 
Kelly, Mr., 164 
Killingworth, Victualler, 138, 

165 
King, Rt., 192, 194 
Kingfisher, H. B. M. S., 8, 141, 

142, 144, 150, 152, 196, 200, 

212, 252, 264; Captures made 

by, 202, 269 
King George, Transport, 218 
King Solomon, Vessel, 202 
Kneebone, John, Lieut., 196 

Lady Gage, Ship, 222 ; Capture 
of, 226, 244, 255 

n3 



Laird, David, 90, 99 

Lasher, Colonel, 130 

Layton, Victualler, 138, 165 

Lechemere, Richard, 85 

Le Cras, Edward, Captain, 8, 79, 

146 
Lee, Andrew, 192, 194 
Lee, Charles, General, in Rhode 

Island, 48, 60; At New York, 

109, 112, 114, 125 
Leeward Islands, 17, 174, 176 
Legge, Frans., Governor, 142, 

147, 212 
Levant, Victualler, 140, 251 
Lexington, Guardship, 239 
Linzee, John, Captain, 8, 154, 

201, 252, 264 

Lisbon, Portugal, 3 ; American 
trade with, 31 

Lisburne, Wilmot, Viscount, 
Lord Commissioner of the Ad- 
miralty, 161 

Lively, H. B. M. S., 8, 39, 141, 
152, 168, 200, 250, 266; Cap- 
tures made by, 202 

Liverpool, H. B. M. S., 9, 142, 
152, 201, 252, 266, 268; Attack 
upon, 269; Condition of, 142, 
168, 270; Captures made by, 

202, 270 

Liverpool, N. S., Vessels sta- 
tioned at, 155 

Lizard, H. B. M. S., 9, 154, 201, 
252, 266 

Lobb, Mr., 44 

London, England, American trade 
with, 31, 116 

Long Island, N. Y., Arrival of 
American troops in, 116; Men- 
tioned, 200, 212, 264, 287 

Lord Howe, H. B. M. S., 162, 
266 

Lord Hyde, Packet, 157 

Lothrop, John, 202 

Love, George, 83 

Lovitt, James, 202 

22] 



INDEX 



Lowell, Abner, 202 

Lunt, David, 202 

Lutwidge, Skeffn., Captain, g, 

266 
Lyon, Schooner, 246 

Macartney, John, Captain, 8 
McCartney, Daniel, 151 
McClean, Colonel, 125 
McKane, William, 244 
Mackenzie, Thomas, Captain, 9, 

154, 201, 252, 266 
McMichael, Daniel, 151 
McNess, Dl., 194 
Magdalen, H. B. M. S., 9, 266 
Magregor, Dougl., 244 
Maltack, Ty., 124 
Manners, Victualler, 138, 165 
Marblehead, Mass., Fort at, 72 
Marines, Detailed to the Chat- 
ham, 6, 27 ; On board ships, 

206, 254 
Martha, Schooner, 244 
Martha's Vineyard, 200, 251, 

267 
Martin, Thos., 83 
Martinique, Island of, 128 
Mary, Brig, 228, 244 
Mary, Ship, 90 
Mary, Sloop, 202, 246 
Maryland, 158 

Mason, Chrr., Captain, 250, 266 
Massachusetts, Act to restrain 

trade of, 1 1 
Massey, Brigadier, 146 
Meat, Fresh, 52 
Medcalf, Wm. Ridsdle, 83 
Mediterranean Sea, 174 
Medows, Edward, Captain, 8 
Medway, Victualler, 173 
Merchant, Daniel, 202 
Mercury, H. B. M. S., 8, 113, 

143, 154, 201, 252, 266, 273; 

Captures made by, 204 
Merlin, H. B. M. S., 8, 154, 

200, 250, 258, 266 



Mermaid, Vessel, 244 

Milford, H. B. M. S., 33, 35, 36, 

158, 167, 200, 250, 266; Joins 

the fleet, 157, 256 
Millar, James, 90 
Millar, P., 90 
Mills, John, 194 
Mills, William, 204 
Mississippi River, Colonial trade 

on, 46 
Molly, Schooner, 202 
Moncreiffe, Major, 44 
Moncur, Captain, 90 
Montagu, George, Captain, 8, 

152, 158, 169, 201, 252, 264 
Montagu, James, Captain, 8, 

139, 154, 201, 252, 266 
Montague, John, Rear Admiral, 

xxiii, II 
Montauk Point, L. L, 287, 291, 

293 
Montgomery, Richard, General, 

60, 126 
Montreal, Canada, 126 
Morris, John, Captain, 264 
Morris, Robert, 270 
Mount, John, 244 
Mowat, Henry, Lieut., 9, 105, 

214, 222, 254, 266 
Munroe, Captain of Marines, - — 

Death of, 37 
Mure & Co., 39 
Mure, Son, and Atkinson, 91, 

100, lOI 

Nancy, Victualler, 173 

Nantasket Roads, Squadron sta- 
tioned in, XXX, 138, 141, 153, 
154, 157, 167, 168, 200, 251 

Nantes, France, 136, 174, 214 

Nassau, Fort, Bahamas, 276 

Nautilus, H. B. M. S., 8, 78, 
152, 166, 178, 179, 181, 184, 
201, 252, 266 

Naval Committee, 124 

Navigation, Act of, 10 



1132311 



INDEX 



Navy Board, 5, 16, 140, 157 
Nepean, Evan, Purser, 268, 309 
Neptune, Vessel, 121 
Newfoundland, Island of, 11, 

254 

New Hampshire, Situation in, 
xxviii, 64-69 

New Haven, Conn., 41 ; Vessels 
fitting out at, 122-123, 127 

New Jersey, Troops from, 43 

New London, Conn., 291, 293, 
295 ■ 

New Orleans, 46 

Newport, R. I., Situation at, 48 

New Providence Island, Baha- 
mas, xxxiv, 275 

New York, 60, 152, 153, 201, 
202, 251, 253, 264; Conditions 
in, xxxiii, 40, 41, 44, 109-115, 
223, 232, 240, 241, 272; De- 
tached squadron stationed at, 
1 1 ; Plan to destroy the King's 
Ships at, 125 ; Removal of pub- 
lic records, 129; Fortifications 
at, 230-233 ; Arrival of fleet at, 
272 

New York Provincial Congress, 
132 

Nicholas, Ship, Capture of, 79- 
84, 202 

Nichols, Captain, 276 

Nichols, Saml., 202 

Nielson, Ship, 90 

Niger, H. B. M. S., 9, 108, 134, 
152, 176, 201, 252, 255, 266, 
274 

Noble, Charles, 83 

Nonsuch, H. B. M. S., 28 

Norfolk, Va., 61, 144, 270 

North America, Shuldham or- 
dered to command in, 3, 6 

North Carolina, Expedition to, 
xxxi, 29, 33, 157, 162; Vessels 
stationed at, 155, 201, 253, 264 

Nova Scotia, 10, 105, 155; 200 

Nunn, Joseph, Lieut., 9, 266 



Ocayes, Port of, 128 

Ogle, Sir Chaloner, xxiv 

Oldfield, Lieutenant, 228 

Oporto, Portugal, 3 

Orders, of the Naval Committee, 

124 

Orders in Council, 12, 13 

Ordnance, Master General of 
the, 105 

Ordnance Board, 156, 211, 221 

Ordnance stores, Scarcity of, 55, 
76, 105, 156, 211 ; Sent to Hali- 
fax, 215 

Orient, 1', France, 142; Rebel 
trade with, 31, 32, 158 

Orpheus, H. B. M. S., 6, 9, 28, 
36, 76, 78, 146, 154, 167, 196, 
197, 200, 212, 252, 264 

Orrock, Wemyss, 90 

Osbridge, Mr., 17, 18 

Oswald, Captain, 90 

Otter, H. B. M. S., 8, 152, 168, 
201, 252, 264 

Oxford, Transport, Capture of, 
273, 301 

Palliser, Sir Hugh, Lord Com- 
missioner of the Admiralty, 62 

Palmer, Mr., 116 

Parker, Hyde, Captain, xxxiii, 9, 
40, 44, 107, 125, 132, 152, 153, 
201, 252, 264, 272; Intelligence 
from, 42, 47, 109, 223 

Parker, Sir Peter, 15, 173, 218, 
251, 264; Expedition against 
the Carolinas, xxxi, 29, 30, 33, 
34, 157, 158, 162, 167, 171, 
216, 273 ; Instructions to, 33 

Parliament, Acts of, for suppress- 
ing the rebellious colonies, 11, 
12, 35 

Parrey, Lieutenant, 162 

Parry, Anty., Captain, 266 

Parry, Frans., Captain, 8, 154, 
201, 252, 264 

Paterson, Governor, 70 



[324II 



INDEX 



Peace and Plent_v, Schooner, 202 
Peacock, Mr., 213, 214 
Pearl, H. B. M. S„ 171, 172, 

255 
Pedrick, John, 244 
Peggy, Vessel, 202 

Pennsylvania, Intelligence from, 
21, 238; Troops from, 43 

Perkins, Josh., 83 

Perseus, H. B. M. S., 310 

Petty officers, Dearth of, xxxiii 

Philadelphia, Pa., Defences of, 
23, 127, 237, 239 ; Trade of, 31, 
239 ; Intelligence from, xxvii, 
43, 45, 116, 120, 131, 238; Ves- 
sels fitting out at, 122, 123, 132, 
275 

Philips, Erasmus, Letters of, 21, 
22 ; Letters to, 23 

Phoenix, H. B. M. S., 9, in, 
152, 201, 225, 252, 264, 272; 
Condition of, no; Captures 
made by, 202, 245 

Phoenix, Vessel, 204 

Pigot, Hospital Ship, 218 

Pinkerton, William, 192, 194 

Piscataqua River, 200 ; Fortifica- 
tions on, 65, 67, 68 

Plymouth, England, 18, 29, ^^j 
171, 178; Shuldham directed to 
proceed to, 6 

Plymouth Sound, 27, 28 

Polly, Schooner, 204 

Polly, Vessel, 202 

Pope, Joseph, 282 

Porten, Sir Stanier, 136 

Portsmouth, England, 5, 14, 24, 
26; Shuldham directed to re- 
pair to, 2, 6 

Portsmouth, N. H., Merchant- 
men loading at, 72 

Portugal, American trade with, 
31, 116 

Pote, Increase, 204 

Pownall, Mr., 63, 103, 105, 106, 
136, 137, 140, 156, 163 



Press vi^arrants, 168 

Preston, H. B. M. S., 8, 40, 45 ,* 

172 
Price, Captain, xxxiii 
Price Frigate, Ship, 90 
Prince Rupert, Ship, 90 
Princess Augusta, Victualler, 

142, 212 
Pringle, Lieutenant, 162 
Pringle, John, 150, 202, 266 
Pringle, Thomas, 151 
Privateers, American, .Activities 

of, xxxi, 38, 233; Fitting out, 

119, 127, 128, 132; Boat attack 
on, 257 

Prizes, 77 ; Disposition of, 85 

Proctor, Francis, 238 

Prosser, William, 202 

Providence, American brig, 281, 
283, 291 ; Fitting out for sea, 
43 ; Sails from Philadelphia, 

120, 275; Description of, 122, 
123, 182 ; Action vi^ith the Glas- 
gow, 177-186 

Providence, American frigate, 60 
Providence, R. I., Conditions in, 

47> 133; Ships building at, 60 
Providence, Island of, Defence- 
lessness of, 22, 23 
Providence, Victualler, 173 
Provisions, Correspondence be- 
tween Shuldham and Howe 
concerning, 87—103; Need of, 
138, 168, 226, 227; Sent to 
America, 173, 174, 209 
Pryce, David, Captain, 9 
Pulteney, Lieutenant, 184 
Putnam, Israel, General, 224, 240 

Quarme, William, Lieut., 154, 

200, 250, 266 

Quebec, Canada, xxviii, 41, 45, 

121, 148, 163, 171, 173, 175, 

201, 216, 227, 239, 241; As- 
sault on, 60; Vessels stationed 
at, 155, 201, 253, 267 



I325I 



INDEX 



Ramsay, Davfd, Lieut., 196 
Randolph, American frigate, 123 
Ranger, H. B. M. S., 162, 171 
Ranger, Sloop, 244 
Raven, H. B. M. S., 9, 154, 201, 

252,264; Captures made by, 204 
Raynor, John, Captain, 5, 9, 15, 

139, 152, 200, 250, 264 
Rebeccah, Ship, 90 
Reed, Robt., 90 
Reedy Island, 275 
Renown, H, B. M. S., 9, 138, 

141, 152, 158, 167, 200, 250, 

257, 266 
Repulse, Ship, 172 
Resolution, Victualler, 138, 165 
Rettenhouse, Vessel, 204 
Reward, Ship, 90 
Rhode Island, 152, 153, 177, 

184, 186, 188, 200; Situation 

in, 40, 47, 49, 55, 58, 60, 133 
Richmond, William, 151 
Richmond, Hospital Ship, 196 
Richmond, Transport, 138 
Roach, William, 244 
Roberts, Mr., 214 
Robertson, James, Colonel, 94, 

95, 97 
Robertson, Lieutenant, 226, 311 
Robinson, John, Captain, 8 
Robinson, John, Secretary of the 

Treasury, 94, 95, 99, lOO, loi, 

163 

Roebuck, H. B. M. S., 9, 143, 
152, 168, 198, 201, 252, 264, 
268; Sails for Virginia, 54, 56; 
Attack upon, 269 

Rogers, Benjamin, 202 

Rogers, Daniel, 202 

Romans, Bernard, 46 

Rose, H. B. M. S., 8, 40, 47, 58, 
108, 132, 178, 181, 184, 200, 
250, 264, 272; Condition of, 
40; Ordered to Halifax, 108; 
Captures made by, 204 

Russell, N., 289 



Sable, Cape, 200, 251 

Sable Island, 267, 298 

St. Augustine, Fla., Vessels sta- 
tioned at, 155, 201, 251, 253, 
264, 267 

St, Croix, American trade with, 
116, 131 

St. Eustatia, American trade 
with, 72, 116 

St. George's Bank, 178 

St. John, H. B. M. S., 8, 154, 
166, 201, 252, 264 

St. John, Vessel, 204 

St. Johns, Island of, 10, 54, 64, 
155, 201, 251, 267; Descent of 
rebels upon, xxviii, 69-75 

St. Lawrence, H. B. M. S., 9, 
154, 201, 252, 264 

St. Lawrence, Gulf of, 70, 167 

St. Lawrence, River, 10, 46, 162, 
267 ; American cruisers in, 
xxviii, 41 

St. Nichola, Cape, 46 

St. Pierre de Miquelon, 45 

St. Ubes, 44 

Sally, Ship, 202 

Sally, Sloop, 204 

Salmond, Robert, lOi 

Salt Petre, Exportation of, pro- 
hibited, 13; Mentioned, 31, 32, 

131 

Sandwich, John, Earl of, Lord 
Commissioner of the Admiralty, 
xxii, 7, 62, 161 

Sandy Hook, N. J., 267 

Saunders, John, 114 

Savage, H. B. M. S., 8, 57, 152, 
201, 222, 223, 250, 266, 274, 
307; Captures made by, 79-83, 
202 

Savannah, Ga., Vessels stationed 
at, 155, 201, 253, 264; Condi- 
tions in, 187; Merchant ships 
detained at, 188, 191; Vessels 
captured at, 204 

Sawney, Brig, 204 

1:326] 



INDEX 



Sawyer, Jas., 83 

Scarborough, H. B. M. S., 8, 
154, 155, 187, 189, 191, 200, 
250, 266; Captures made by, 
202, 204, 293 

Schanlc, John, Lieut., 266 

Scorpion, H. B. M. S., 8, 154, 
201, 252, 264 

Scot, Gustavus, Ch., 83 

Scott, Alexander, Captain, 250, 
264 

Scott, John, 204 

Sears, Captain, 119 

Senegal, H. B. M. S., 8, 154, 
200, 250, 264; Captures made 
by, 245 

Seon, Thos., 83 

Serjeant, Danl., 202 

Sharp, John, 45 

Shepherd, James, 80-83, 202 

Shipwright, Victualler, 173 

Shipwrights, Need of, 5 

Shoemaker, Anty., 244 

Shuldham, Molyneux, Vice Ad- 
miral, xxiii, 152, 200, 250, 264; 
Birth, xxiv ; Career, xxiv ; Ap- 
pointed Rear Admiral of the 
White, XXV, I ; Directed to pro- 
ceed to Portsmouth, 2 ; Ap- 
pointed to command in North 
America, 6, 19; Hoists his flag 
in the Chatham, 14; Detained 
at Spithead, 15, 17, 19, 25; Ar- 
rival at Boston, 37 ; Promotion 
to Vice Admiral of the Blue, 37, 
220; Insufficiency of his fleet, 

38, 68, 77, 212, 256; Activities 
of the rebels, 38 ; Recommends 
arming victuallers, 39, 77, 103; 
Non-arrival of storeships, xxix, 

39, 198; Difficulty of obtaining 
fresh provisions, 5 1 ; Assumes 
command, 54; Conditions on the 
station, 54; Scarcity of naval 
stores, 76; Severity of blockade 
duty, 77 ; Relations with Gen- 



eral Howe, 87-103 ; Storeships 
destined for Boston, 90, 91 ; 
Evacuation of Boston, 107, 
137-139, 141 ; Lord Howe to 
succeed in command, 160; In 
Halifax harbor, 165-259; Ap- 
pointments of officers, 196, 197; 
Superseded in command, 217, 
309; Return to England, 311- 
312; Letters of, i, 2, 3, 5, 14, 
15, 17, 19, 23, 25, 27, 28, 37, 
40, 51, 54, 64, 73, 76, 87, 102, 
107, 137, 141, 157, 165, 166, 
168, 169, 175, 177, 187, 196, 
198, 206, 207, 210, 211, 213, 
217, 218, 219, 222, 249, 257, 
259, 268, 272, 306, 307, 310, 
311 ; Letters to, 21, 22, 26, 29, 
31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 44, 52, 58, 
62, 63, 64, 69, 78, 79, 84, 85, 
91, 103, 104, 106, 109, 132, 
134, 136, 140, 143, 145, 156, 
160, 162, 163, 164, 170, 176, 
178, 208, 223, 309, 312; Orders 
and instructions to, xxv, 6, 9, 
62, 157, 160, 165, 254 

Signal-book, Capture of, by reb- 
els, 72 

Simons & Co., 194 

Sinclair, Captain, 90 

Sinclair, John, 151 

Skinner, Frs., 204 

Smith, Jonas, 202 

Smith, Thomas, 45 

Sneyd, Edward, Lieut., 152, 200, 
208, 250 

Snow Bird, Sloop, 204 

Solebay, H. B. M. S., 9, 29, 218 

Sollick, Captain, 118 

Somerset, H. B. M. S., 6, 8, 54, 

South Carolina, Expedition to, 
xxxi, 29, 33, 157, 162; Vessels 
stationed at, 155, 264; Defences 
of, 187, 190 

Sovereign, Victualler, 218 



1:3273 



INDEX 



Spain, American trade with, 31, 

116, 215 
Spanish River, 267, 274, 307 
Spencer, Lord Charles, Lord 

Commissioner of the Admiraltj-, 

7 

Sphynx, H. B. M. S., 29, 218, 
252, 264 

Spithead, 7, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 
23, 25, 34, 63, 94, 103, 105, 
106, 140, 172, 311 

Squire, Matthew, Captain, 8, 
152, 201, 252, 264 

Stanbury, Mr., 128 

Stanhope, John, Captain, 9, 154, 
201, 252, 264 

Stanley, Mr., Secretary of the 
Customs, 163 

Stanly, Victualler, 173 

Staten Island, N. Y., 42, iii, 
224, 264; Arrival of fleet at, 
263, 272 

Stephens, Philip, Secretary of the 
Admiralty, 33, 34. 9 1, 99; Let- 
ters of, 24, 26, 29, 31, 89, 106, 
170, 176, 208, 309; Letters to, 
I, 2, 3, 5, 14, 15, 17, 19, 25, 
27, 28, 37, 40, 51, 54, 64, 76, 
87, 107, 137, 141, 157, 165, 
166, 168, 169, 175, 177, 184, 
187, 196, 198, 206, 207, 210, 
211, 213, 217, 218, 219, 222, 
249, 257, 259, 268, 272, 306, 
310, 311 

Sterling, Lieutenant, 228 

Sterling, Lord, 129 

Stone, Henry, 204 

Stone, John, 244 

Stores, Sent out to America, 90, 
91, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, loi, 
102, 173, 174, 209, 215; Need 
of, xxix, 138, 168 

Stores, Naval, Scarcity of, 76, 
169, 170; Provided for the 
ships, 140 

Strivens, Captain, 90 



Strombolo, H. B. M. S., 172 

Success, Victualler, 173 
Success increase, Victualler, 173 
Suffolk, Earl of, 21, 22, 216 
Suffolk, Va., 43 
Sukey, Sloop, 244 
Sullivan, Philip, 83, 204 
Supply ships. Capture of, by reb- 
els, 38, 77, 220; Non-arrival of, 
39, 198; Driven to Antigua, 
xxvii, 165, 209; Convoy of, 167, 
171, 258; Fleet of, for America, 

171, 173 
Susanna, Vessel, 202 
Swallow, Packet, 228 
Swan, H. B. M. S., 8, 49, 58, 

108, 152, 178, 181, 184, 200, 

213, 217, 250, 264 
Symons, John, Captain, 9, 154, 

200, 250, 266, 273 
Svmonds, Thomas, Captain, 9 
Syren, H. B. M. S., 9, 29, 157, 

189, 201, 252, 264; Capture 

made by, 207 

Talbot, George, Captain, 9, 108, 
134, 152, 175, 201, 252, 255, 
266, 274, 308 

Tamer, H. B. M, S., 8, 154, 200, 
250, 266, 274, 307 ; Captures 
made by, 204 

Tartar, Brig, 204 

Tartar, H. B. M. S., 8, 172 

Tarter, Vessel, 202 

Thames, Ship, 90, 99 

Thatcher, Echa., 202 

Thompson, Charles, Captain, 9 

Thornborough, Edwd., Captain, 
8, 154, 200 

Thornton, Willm., 90 

Thunder, H. B. M. S., 29 

Tollemache, Hon. John, Captain, 
8, 154, 201, 252, 264 

Trade, Colonial, Acts of Parlia- 
ment respecting, 10, 11, 35 

Trade, Colonial, Measures to 

28] 



INDEX 



promote, 45, 46; Extent of, 
xxviii, 72, 116, 118, 136, 157, 
158, 164, 174, 239 

Trade, West India, Protection 
of, 176, 188, 255, 256 

Transport department, 259, 261, 
262 

Transports, Impressment of crews 
of, 36, 158; Placed under direc- 
tion of Shuldham, 63, 214; 
Convoy of, 171, 173, 176, 258; 
Direction of, 259 

Treasury, Lords Commissioners 
of the, 100, 102 

Treasury Chambers, 94, 99, 100, 

lOI 

Triton, H. B. M. S., 9, 157, 162, 
216, 266; Dismasted in a gale, 

33 
Trumbull, Jonathan, Governor, 

60, 118 
Tryal, H. B. M. S., 141, 152, 

168, 200, 250, 264; Captures 

made by, 202 
Tryon, William, Governor, xxxv, 

40, 41, 43, 45, 113, 119, 125, 

241, 243 
Turner, Daniel, 202 
Turner, Thomas Vernon, 285 
Tw^o Friends, Brig, 244 
Tyffe, Lieutenant, 158 

Unity, Vessel, 202 

Vanderput, George, Captain, 8, 
40, III, 152, 201, 252, 264; 
Report of, 44 

Vegetables, Fresh, Supplies of, re- 
quired for the fleet, 3 

Victuallers, Capture of, by reb- 
els, 38, 77, 103; Convoy of, 
162, 167; Driven to the West 
Indies, 165, 166, 209; Fleet of, 
for America, 171, 173; Non-ar- 
rival of, 198 



Victualling Board, 4, 51, 52, 138, 

174, 210 
Vigilant, H. B. M. S., 20 
Violenti, Vessel, 202 
Viper, H. B. M. S., xxxiii, 9, 152, 

200, 266; Blown off the coast, 
165 ; Captures made by, 204 

Virginia, 54, 143, 153, 158, 179, 

201, 202, 204, 253, 269 

Wages, of American seamen, 132 

Walker, Thos., 192, 194 

Wallace, James, Captain, 8, 40, 
55, 104, 107, 108, 152, 200, 
250, 264; Letters of, 47, 58, 61, 
132, 178 

Wallace, Jno., 192, 194 

Wanton, Sloop, 244 

War Office, 97 

Warren, American frigate, 60 

Warren, Benjamin, 202 

Washington, George, General, 
xxix, 47, 70, 126, 233, 234, 241 

Washington, American frigate, 
123 

Wasp, American Schooner, 275, 
276, 277, 280 

Weathersfield, Conn., 56 

Weeks, Stepn., 204 

Welch, George, 202 

Welch, Rt., 194 

Welch, Thos., 194 

Wells, Jas., 244 

Wentworth, John, Governor, 
64-69 

West, William, 202 

Westcott, Rd., 244 

West Indies, American trade 
with, 31, 72, 128; Vessels 
driven to, 165, 166, 167; Pro- 
tection of trade of, 176 

Weston, Jas., 194 

Weymouth, Lord, 136 

Whipple, Abraham, Captain, 
120, 122, 182 

Whipple, Captain, 41 



[;3293 



INDEX 



White, Mr., 214 

White, Charles, Surgeon, 196 

White, Jas., 202 

White, John, 79-83 

White, Martin, 90 

Williams, John, 83 

Williams, Php., 83 

Williams, Thos., 90 

Wilson, George, Lieutenant, 252, 

266 
Woglum, Jas., 246 
Woolen gloves, 17, 18 



Wooster, General, 60, 126, 241 
Wright, Mr., 70, 199 
Wylly, Alexander, 204 



York, Ship, 202 
York, Sloop, 297 
York, Vessel, 244 
York Packet, Sloop, 204 
Yorke, Sir Joseph, 216 
Young, James, Admiral, 165, 
176 



1:3303 



FEB n 1913 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 






011 800 946 




iM 



